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Steve Howey urges Newcastle United to sign Arsenal's Joe Willock

By Sammy Wynne | 05 July 2021

Steve Howey urges Newcastle to sign Joe Willock

Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey urges the Magpies to sign Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock this summer, fearing that he will be too expensive next year.

Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey has urged the Magpies to sign last season's loanee Joe Willock from Arsenal.

The 21-year-old arrived at St James' Park in January and quickly became a fans' favourite after netting eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances, including a run of six games when he netted in consecutive matches.

It is reported that Newcastle are willing to use a player-plus-cash deal to bring Willock back to the North-East on a permanent basis, with goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Swansea City, a likely candidate to be offered to Arsenal.

Speaking to This is Futbol, Howey said that this summer will be Steve Bruce's best chance to sign the young English midfielder: "How many times have we seen big clubs loan out some of their young kids they've done all right but obviously gone back to their parent club and been massive?

"Harry Kane being one of them – he got loaned out a good few times. There's loads of players that's happened to. In a year's time, if you do pick up Joe Willock for £25m, he could be worth £35m or £45m if he has a season which he had in the time that he was at Newcastle."

Willock has scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 78 appearances for Arsenal since coming through their academy system as a youngster.