According to reports, Sean Longstaff has received an offer from Spain and Steve Bruce is trying to convince Arsenal to let us sign Joe Willock on loan.
Starting with Longstaff, The Mirror claim Valencia submitted a loan bid which includes a view to signing the midfielder at the end of the season for £15m.
That said, it’s claimed we swiftly moved to reject the offer from the La Liga side, with the report stating Bruce is reluctant to weaken his squad in an area of the field he’s looking to strengthen and remains keen to tie him down to a new deal – despite the fact the 23-year-old has been axed from his last three matchday squads.
On the subject of incomings, The Mail state that versatile Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock is a ‘top target’ of Bruce’s heading into the final 48 hours of the January transfer window.
Simon Jones’ piece states that fellow Gunners talent Ainsley Maitland-Niles is also one we’ve been looking at, however Southampton are named the current favourites to land him on loan.
As things stand, it’s said Mikel Arteta is reluctant to let both leave this month, despite the England U-21 pair looking to leave for some much needed first-team football.
Willock has started just twice in the league this season, yet his impressive tally of three goals and as many assists in five Europa League appearances has caught the eye.
Personally, I’d prefer Maitland-Niles based on his added dynamism and ability to play at wing-back too, however either would be a very decent addition until the end of the season.
As for Longstaff, a loan may not be the worst idea if he’s going to be continually left out of Bruce’s squad – not that I’m convinced these Valencia claims are true!
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