Newcastle ‘are looking to wrap up £20m deal for Joe Willock this summer’

Steve Bruce has confirmed that Newcastle are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, following a successful loan spell at St James’ Park. 

The 21-year-old has been in fine form for the Magpies since arriving in January scoring three goals in nine appearances, including the winner against West Ham last weekend that moved Bruce’s side eight points clear of the bottom three.

According to the Telegraph Arsenal are open to selling Willock for a fee of around £20 million, and Newcastle should be at the front of the queue considering how much the the England Under-21 international has enjoyed his time on Tyneside.

Joe Willock has been in fine form for Newcastle since joining on loan from Arsenal in January

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has admitted that’s he interested in signing Willock permanently

‘It was quite refreshing hearing him yesterday talking about going out and seeing the sea, driving out to the coast,’ said Bruce ahead of Saturday’s trip to Liverpool. ‘Living in London, I don’t think he sees that very often. 

‘I believe he is enjoying it here, he wants to be in the team, but he has scored three goals and the last two, particularly the last one [the winner against West Ham] were vitally important. You could see by his elation that he was delighted for the team. He’s a young lad and I’d love to keep him here and we will have some big conversations with Arsenal [about doing that].’

Willock has struggled to break into Arsenal’s first team on a consistent basis and a move away from the Emirates may prove best for his development. 

Newcastle have utilised him as an impact substitute recently, but if he were to move to St James’ Park on a permanent basis; it’s believed Bruce would make him an integral part of the team next season.  

Willock is a product of Arsenal’s academy but has struggled to break into their first team

‘He’s the modern day player, young, athletic and quick,’ added the Newcastle manager. ‘He’s only 21 years old and he’s got a big, big future. 

‘There are lots of conversations to be had. I think he has thoroughly enjoyed it here and certainly the adulation he received last week after scoring the winner. He has scored three big goals for us since he’s been here. Why wouldn’t I want to sign him?

‘He gives us a bit of pace, he’s athletic and he can score a goal. He’s got real pace, he’s arguably as quick as anyone we have got at the club.

‘We will have to have a conversation with Arsenal first. It’s a bit disrespectful of me to talk about him because he is still their player, but certainly, the move has helped him and it has helped us. If there is something that can be done [to sign him] I would love to do it.’