After contract talks with Newcastle, Joe Willock has today been spotted back at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground today.
The 21-year-old is pictured pulling out his player of the month award – won during his loan spell at St James’ Park – on Eddie Nketiah’s Instagram story, with the TV screen in the background also confirming today’s date.
Some are questioning why he’s back in North London if a £25m move to Newcastle is imminent, however many believe this is him clearing out his locker before a permanent return to Tyneside is made official.
See the photo below, with Football.London’s Chris Wheatley insisting that he’ll need to be registered by 12pm on Friday to be eligible to face West Ham on Sunday:
Personally, this looks more like him clearing his locker. Why else would he be pulling out an NUFC-related award he won several months ago? Also, it’d be even more odd to do so if a move back to Newcastle had just fallen through!
They are my immediate thoughts, but Toon fans on Twitter are split – is he’s packing his bags or back at Arsenal because there’s yet to be a breakthrough regarding personal terms?
Let’s hope this response from this Arsenal reporter is a not so subtle hint:
This saga has got to end Willock is milking this transfer, I don’t think he is as good as players we’ve looked at and let go, flash in the pan Arteta knows that and playing Bruce like a fiddle
Mike L(Quote)
Mike L.
We have actually seen Willock play with our own eyes for NUFC. The kid has talent. If he doesnt fit into Arteta’s system that is their loss. I promise you he will turn out to be a better player than his 60 million pound one-trick-pony replacement Maddison.
Eric(Quote)
I agree Eric. Joe Willock is not able to fit into Arteta’s way of playing but he will be playing for Liverpool or United in 2/3 seasons. Watch this space. ?
Dan(Quote)
Go on a large screen computer then zoom in on the screen behind Willock on the wall & the date says 11/04/21
Photo was not taken today!
Scott(Quote)
It’s definitely 11/08/21. See clear photo below
https://twitter.com/BirksWill/status/1425461132286906369/photo/1
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Training perhaps? Isn’t he at there training ground lol
I see no one has took a picture of him training today which was widely reported.
Cocobear(Quote)