Newcastle United are hopeful of completing a move for Joe Willock by the weekend.
The Shields Gazette claim the Magpies are laying the groundwork for a deal, and understand all parties are keen for a deal to be struck before Arsenal head to America.
The Gunners face Rangers at 2pm this Saturday.
They will then head stateside to face Inter Milan in the Florida Cup on July 25.
Willock has been back in pre-season training with Arsenal, but did not feature the other night against Hibernian.
Around the same time as Arsenal’s squad was put out, a report from the Times surfaced claiming Newcastle were in talks with the Gunners about another move for the midfielder.
Mikel Arteta said after that game that Willock had missed out sue to a small injury.
The Spaniard then said that he was part of their plans, and their player (via football.london).
Time is of the essence
This is an encouraging claim.
It seems Newcastle are ready to push hard to get Willock back to St. James’ Park.
Hopefully, the fact that Arsenal will be flying to America at the weekend instils a sense of urgency in the Newcastle officials.
Logistically, it would be be a frustration if Willock was on that Arsenal plane.
Arteta has said what he’s said, but Newcastle need Willock and have got to be bullish.
Bruce wants him, saying of the player back in May (TEAMtalk): “He’s given us something which we certainly didn’t have before.
“He’s a very, very good player. So I’ve said now for three or four weeks, we’d love to bring him back.”
It’s time for the club to give the fans what they want and make a statement of intent.
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