Ian Dennis of the BBC has claimed that a deal for Newcastle United to sign Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock is now complete.
The Hale End graduate has fallen way down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta and will be allowed to leave on loan.
Willock has started just twice in the Premier League this season, with a further five appearances coming in the Europa League.
The 21-year-old has played 78 times for the Gunners in total, scoring 11 goals and claiming four assists.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has been linked with several players this month and finally looks to have got a deal over the line.
Willock can play in a number of midfield positions and should bolster the creativity within the Magpies ranks.
He can operate as a No.10, in a conventional central midfield role as a deep-lying player in front of the back four.
Bruce oversaw a 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday and he will hope his team can now kick on.
The fact that Arteta has decided to loan him out might come as a shock.
Back in November, the Spaniard told Arsenal’s official website that Willock possessed ‘very special qualities’ following a Europa League clash.
What will Willock bring to St James’ Park?
The Arsenal man will bring youthful exuberance, creativity and a desire to prove a point.
Not getting a proper chance to shine in the Premier League will have hurt Willock and he’ll want to impress at Newcastle.
Bruce will be delighted to add some creativity to his ranks.
Providing goalscoring chances for Callum Wilson hasn’t come easy and the Gunners youngster should improve that aspect.
In Europe this season Willock has provided three goals and three assists, helping Arsenal to a perfect record.
Willock is fancied to once day become a first-team regular at the Emirates Stadium.
With that in mind, Newcastle might have landed themselves a very shrewd loan deal.
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