Just over a month ago, The Chronicle reported that Newcastle’s hopes of signing Joe Willock would be boosted if Arsenal completed a £50m move for Ben White.
Fast forward five weeks and the Gunners have today confirmed his signature, meaning they’ll need to raise funds to allow for more big-money incomings – especially now they’re heading into a season without the financial boost from European football.
Not only that, Sky Sports have revealed that Granit Xhaka’s proposed move to AS Roma has broken down, with the midfielder now back in pre-season training and a “key part” of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
This U-turn should only increase the likelihood of Joe Willock leaving this summer, with the 21-year-old falling further down the pecking order now Xhaka looks set to stay.
Last but not least, the former NUFC loanee has barely got a look in over pre-season, failing to make a single start and being left out of Arteta’s squad for three of their four games so far:
Here’s Arsenal’s pre-season results and a look at how much the midfielder has featured:
- July 13th – Hibernian 2-1 Arsenal – Not involved
- July 17th – Rangers 2-2 Arsenal – Played 28 minutes from the bench
- July 24th – Arsenal 4-1 Millwall – Not involved
- July 28th – Arsenal 4-1 Watford – Not involved
The £17m arrival of box-to-box midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga and new deal for Smith Rowe – following bids from Aston Villa – could also impact his chances of first-team football next season.
There’s still a lot of work to be done, even if he is available either on loan or on a permanent deal, however it’s starting to feel like he may not have a future at the North London club – at least not for the 2021/22 season.
Just because he may not have future at Arsenal, it does not automatically follow that he has one at Newcastle.
There will be many clubs much closer to home who want him.
Helen Clarey(Quote)