The midfielder is Steve Bruce’s number one target, having excelled on loan at St James’ Park last season.
But why should Newcastle be confident? After all, that’s how they reportedly felt more than a month ago.
On June 12th, the Chronicle claimed that the Magpies were confident of bringing him back because Arsenal were willing to do a deal.
Fast forward 47 days, and we are still waiting for a decision.
On July 14th, the Telegraph claimed that Newcastle believed they were close to securing the youngster on a season-long loan. They added that the Magpies have been ‘quietly confident’ about bringing Willock back.
If Newcastle are so confident about completing this deal, why is Willock still an Arsenal player?
Does ‘confident’ mean something different at Newcastle United?
Following Newcastle’s draw with Rotherham, Steve Bruce spoke about the club’s pursuit of Willock.
“I’ve said many times now, he’s Arsenal’s player. Joe has to decide,” he told the Chronicle.
“But there has to be a cut-off point where we can’t wait forever. We have one or two other options and it would be wrong if we didn’t.
“Joe is our first choice and we are encouraged to keep bashing away.”
While Newcastle wait, the new Premier League season edges closer. The big kick off is less than three weeks away, yet the Magpies still haven’t made a first-team signing.
Being confident about Willock coming back is great…until he doesn’t. Talk of confidence is irrelevant until he’s unveiled as a new signing.
Confidence is a word that has been thrown around a lot at Newcastle over the past 12 months.
There was confidence that a takeover would be completed, and look how that ended.
While there are reports of Newcastle being confident about signing Willock, he is also being linked with a move to Monaco.
Lee Charnley needs to complete this deal. If we really are confident, what’s the hold up?
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