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Arteta reveals White's Arsenal move was long time in making
Rio Ferdinand has slammed Arsenal’s decision to let Joe Willock leave for Newcastle United in a permanent transfer, which is reportedly set to see the Gunners rake in over £20million.
Arsenal's Joe Willock transfer decision has baffled Rio Ferdinand (Image: GETTY)
Newcastle have agreed a fee in excess of £20m to sign Willock from Arsenal, according to The Athletic.
Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has questioned the decision to sell a player who scores frequently from midfield.
The 42-year-old also insisted that nobody fears Arsenal anymore and claimed that they will need to seriously improve to attract big-name signings.
“I don’t know how Arsenal have let Joe Willock go. The guy scores goals from midfield – I really like him,” Ferdinand said on his FIVEYouTube channel.
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“I don’t understand that. Newcastle have done unbelievably well to get him by the way, I think he’s a really good talent.
“He scores goals, he expects to score, he’s a good mover, makes good runs.
“With Arsenal, I know they’re building and [Mikel] 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.
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Arsenal are set to sanction Willock's Newcastle transfer (Image: GETTY)
“It’s just a very different time now for Arsenal. It’s sad to see because I really like Arsenal.”
Willock did not feature for Arsenal during their friendly with North London rivals Tottenham on Sunday and Arteta refused to comment on the reason.
“Joe – we will explain the reasons when we can,” the Spaniard said after his side lost 1-0 to Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“I can’t say more now. When I can say more I will let you know more.”
However, reports later emerged that his absence was due to his proposed transfer to Newcastle.