Transfer Centre

Newcastle United to loan Joe Willock from Arsenal?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 31 January 2021

Newcastle United reportedly want to take Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock on loan for the rest of the season, but the Gunners are reluctant to sanction a move.

Newcastle United could reportedly look to strike a loan deal for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock before Monday's transfer deadline.

The 21-year-old has starred in the Europa League with three goals and three assists for Mikel Arteta's side this term, but he has found Premier League opportunities hard to come by.

The recent arrival of Martin Odegaard means that Willock is third in the number 10 pecking order behind the Norwegian and Emile Smith Rowe, so a January exit could supposedly be on the cards in the coming hours.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has earmarked Willock as his number one target, and the Magpies are hopeful of convincing Arsenal to sanction a temporary deal.

However, the report adds that the Gunners are reluctant to let another midfielder leave if Ainsley Maitland-Niles - who is supposedly a target for Leicester City and Southampton - heads for the exit door.

Willock has only made seven top-flight appearances for the Gunners all season, with five of them coming as a substitute.