Transfer Rumors: Newcastle Expected To Push For Permanent Deal For English Midfielder – Report

Failing to hit his stride with Arsenal FC, it may be in the best interest of 21-year-old Joe Willock to play elsewhere. He is currently on loan to Newcastle United, but reports are coming in that the club may go for a permanent deal for the English midfielder.

Seeing that the former under-21 international is enjoying his time at Tyneside, the move would make sense. However, plucking the Arsenal Academy graduate from the Gunners may come with a hefty price. The Telegraph reported that it would take roughly £20 million ($27 million) to get Willock on a permanent deal. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

“I believe he is enjoying it here, he wants to be in the team, but he has scored three goals and the last two, particularly the last one [the winner against West Ham] were vitally important. You could see by his elation that he was delighted for the team,” Magpies manager Steve Bruce stated.

“He’s a young lad and I’d love to keep him here and we will have some big conversations with Arsenal [about doing that],” he continued.

Bruce sees good things ahead if they can pull off a permanent deal for Willock. He is already seen as an integral part of Newcastle’s side, but the Magpies manager was quick to explain that they will take the proper approach to get the deal push through.

“We will have to have a conversation with Arsenal first. It’s a bit disrespectful of me to talk about him because he is still their player, but certainly, the move has helped him and it has helped us. If there is something that can be done [to sign him] I would love to do it,” the 60-year-old said.

Willock has been performing well for the Magpies since arriving at St. James Park in January. The 21-year-old came off the bench against West Ham United and was responsible for the late winner against the Hammers last week, The Guardian reported.

Just recently, Willock was at it again. He scored a dramatic goal at the 95th-minute mark that denied Liverpool a much-needed win in their pursuit of Champions League football. The draw left Liverpool four points behind fourth-place Chelsea who defeated fifth-place West Ham, 1-0.