Arteta reveals White's Arsenal move was long time in making
Rio Ferdinand has lamented Arsenal’s demise after questioning the Gunners’ decision to sanction the exit of Joe Willock. Manager Mikel Arteta is under pressure this season after an underwhelming campaign which ended without the club qualifying for European football for the first time in 25 years.
The inexperienced Spanish boss is working hard to rebuild his below-par squad this summer, but has been criticised for not doing more to keep hold of young midfielder Willock.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle have agreed a deal in excess of £20m to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis, after his successful loan spell last season.
Willock shone after his arrival at St. James’ Park in January, scoring in seven consecutive Premier League matches.
His goals and influence helped keep Steve Bruce’s side in the Premier League after concerns over possible relegation.
Rio Ferdinand has taken a swipe at Arsenal (Image: GETTY )
But while he was one of the form players in the league last term, Arsenal have decided to cash in on their academy graduate.
He is not regarded as an integral first-team player under Arteta and was seen as a dispensable member of the 39-year-old’s squad.
Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand has questioned the mentality at the Emirates ahead of Willock’s impending departure and cannot fathom the decision to sell the midfielder.
“I don’t know how Arsenal have let Joe Willock go,” he told his FIVE YouTube channel.
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He continued: “With Arsenal, I know they’re building and Arteta is trying to build something and he’s setting the foundations there, but they’re in no man’s land.
“They’re not a threat to anybody. You don’t consider them a real threat at all and it’s not just the Arsenal that I played against with Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Martin Keown, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole.
“It’s just a very different time now for Arsenal. It’s sad to see because I really like Arsenal.”
The Gunners’ transfer business is not over as they approach the opening game of the new Premier League campaign.
Arteta’s side visit newly-promoted Brentford in their first fixture on Friday night.