It has been a very difficult year for Joe Willock. He ended last season in the Arsenal First team squad and was expected to push on and become a regular in the current campaign, but his chances have come few and far between under Arteta and was only given two starts in the Premier League.
He was given 4 starts in the Europa League and scored 3 goals and made 3 assists, but even that was still not enough to impress the boss. So it was only right that he was granted a loan move in January and his form has improved immensely.
He took a little while to get to full match fitness but has now scored 4 goals in his last 4 games for the Toon, and now his loan is coming to an end, Steve Bruce has made it clear that he would like Willock to stay.
“All of us would love to [make it permanent],” Bruce told talkSPORT.
“He’s 21, a midfield player and he’s got five goals since the turn of the year, so of course we want him – but we have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player.
“I’m sure Arsenal will have big discussions this summer, but if there’s a possibility that we can bring him back we’d love to do it.”
I think that maybe Arteta may have made a mistake by not playing him more when we were crying out for an attacking midfielder, and perhaps he should have used Joe instead of bringing in Odegaard. Anyway, it will be interesting to see if the boss will give Willock another chance next season, or cash in on him this summer.
What would you do after seeing Willock’s recent form?
Very foolish thing to sell Willock instead of using him to strengthen the team. He’s proven his worth when given the opportunity. He will certainly score more goals. We need a team that does not only rely on the strikers to score
It’s tough to say with Willock; selling or keeping. Personally another loan to Newcastle probably the best if Willock gets more starts.
Without european football rotation is not as much of a concern as before. Hopefully if we get Bissouma then Willock is on the bench behind Partey, Bissouma, and ESR.
The few minutes available can be spent on Azeez while Willock gets maximum pitch time on loan with a PL club.
After a year away then bring him back. At best he can compete for midfield starts, maybe be a key player coming off the bench, or at worst sell him and make more money that we can now.
I would loan him again, hope he develops further, and then bring him back into the fold so he can deliver for us.
Your last paragraph made me smile, Durand. All the traits we hate when the boot is on the other foot as it has been this season.
Hi, 👁️ would bring joe back!! and give him a chance! from Blazen Gunner Paul in Bermuda Gunner’s 4 life! ✌️
Talk is cheap, Steve Bruce. If you’re really serious about Willock, put your cheque for 30M on the table. And be prepared to include a sell-on clause in the agreement.
Caught this article and being a Toon fan cannot understand why not just Arteta but other managers don’t either trust or believe in the likes of young Willock.
This lad has the ability to be an exceptional player no matter what. His attitude is superb and his fitness level is way above most of our lot. He’s an infectious talent that should be nurtured but allowed to grow naturally. Stifling him with the norm would be wrong.
If we get him back then great. If not your club will have to be true to him and let him play as he has on Tyneside. Let him play.
With Willock’s performance at Newcastle, it is clear Arteta cannot get the best out of our players. Check the performance of Saliba, Gendouzi, Mavrapanos and co!
Willock, i think will think carefully about his future. Arteta was blind to his qualities that he showed in the EL. Bruce obviously wants him, our squad will basically be smaller and Willock will be very tempted by Bruce.