Arsenal: Arteta outlines Willock's future after Newcastle loan
Newcastle United are weighing up offering Arsenal a player-plus-cash deal that would see Joe Willock return to St James’ Park. Willock starred on loan at the Magpies in the second-half of last season, with Steve Bruce keen to bring the Englishman back on a permanent basis.
Despite notching three goals and three assists in the group stages of the Gunners’ Europa League campaign, Willock has failed to break into Mikel Arteta’s plans.
He was mainly limited to substitute appearances in the Premier League before the January transfer window, making only two starts.
Those limited opportunities saw him sent out on loan to Newcastle on the winter transfer window’s deadline day.
The 21-year-old developed a penchant for scoring crucial late goals, as he helped Bruce’s side to mount a successful survival battle.
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Willock failed to break into Mikel Arteta's plans last season (Image: Express Sport)
According to Chronicle Live, Bruce is considering offering goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, plus cash, in exchange for Willock.
The Gunners are looking to sign a new keeper this summer after seeing Mat Ryan return to Brighton after his loan stint.
Alex Runarsson has failed to convince that he can be a long-term option as the back-up keeper, with current first-choice Bernd Leno also linked with a departure.
The news website also states that the Gunners are looking to ensure their new keeper is English, in order to boost their home-grown quota.
Newcastle could offer goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in exchange for Willock (Image: Getty Images)
Woodman would certainly fit the bill for Arteta, having impressed during his loan spell at Championship side Swansea City.
He kept 22 clean sheets in all competitions for the Welsh side last season, helping them to reach the play-off final.
But his route into Newcastle’s first-team appears to be blocked, with Karl Darlow, Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.
The 24-year-old is said to have long been on Arsenal’s radar and could be the perfect solution to their keeper problem.