Finally, Newcastle United look set to complete a deal to sign Joe Willock from Arsenal.
After months of speculation, Sunday evening brought news that Toon fans have been praying for.
Multiple outlets have claimed that the Magpies have agreed a fee with Arsenal to sign Willock permanently.
That fee ranges from £22million to £25million, but the important thing is that the 21-year-old is on his way back to St James’ Park.
He was sensational last season, scoring eight goals in 14 games. It was the best run of his young career, producing form he never came close to in an Arsenal shirt.
Luckily for us, Willock seems set to try and recapture that form in the North East rather than North London.
A deal isn’t done yet, but it is almost time for Toon fans to celebrate.
Completing a deal for Joe Willock shouldn’t be difficult for Newcastle
According to the Athletic, personal terms still need to be agreed between Newcastle and Willock.
But surely they should be a formality?
Ever since Willock’s loan spell at St James’ Park ended, there have been reports about his desire to return.
There were rumours about him having second thoughts, but it would be odd for Newcastle to relentlessly pursue this deal and agree a fee without assurances that Willock wanted to come back.
And if the Magpies are willing to invest heavily in the midfielder, you’d back them to provide a contract that suits Willock’s needs. Then again, this is Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United…
Dealing with Arsenal was always the issue. They want to raise funds, so a permanent deal would always have suited them best.
But there was always uncertainty regarding whether or not we could afford the 21-year-old.
We appear to be over that hurdle now, with a fee in excess of £20million being reported.
Even though personal terms are yet to be agreed, Willock’s return to Newcastle feels like a formality. We aren’t far away from hearing ‘come on you Maggies’ once again.
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