Arsenal loanee to hold talks with club over permanent move to Premier League rivals

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and director Edu face a busy summer ahead, with a number of players’ futures to be decided when the window opens in June. 

Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos are both currently on loan at the club and, while it is understood that Ceballos will return to Real Madrid, the Gunners are reportedly keen on making Odegaard’s deal a permanent one.

David Luiz is another player facing an uncertain future, with the Brazilian’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, the duo of Arteta and Edu will also face a headache when it comes to deciding the futures of Arsenal’s players that are on loan elsewhere.

Lucas Torreira is currently at Atletico Madrid and it is unknown whether he will return to North London or make his stay in the Spanish capital a permanent one.

Mateo Guendouzi is currently with Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is on loan at already-relegated West Bromwich Albion.

The player who has impressed most while out on loan, however, is Joe Willock, who has spent the past five months at Newcastle United.

Despite only joining the Magpies in January, Willock has scored seven times in 13 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side.

The player has now told the club’s official TV channel that he will hold talks with Arsenal over his future, and appeared to hint at a potential return to Newcastle.

Willock became the youngest player in Premier League history to score in six consecutive matches when he netted in the Magpies’ 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday

Speaking to NUFC TV, Willock thanked the club for welcoming him.

“I want to say thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for greeting me with open arms,” he said.

“I hope you’re satisfied with what I’v given for the club so far and hopefully there’s more to continue in the future.
“I’m not going to promise anything, but the conversation is going to be held.”

Despite Bruce stating his desire to sign Willock on a long-term basis, it is unclear whether or not Arsenal would allow Willock to leave the club permanently.

Arteta recently stated that he would welcome Willock back next season.

“If we can get him back next year, he won’t be a super-sub. I think he will be playing,” he said.

With Willock’s future still seemingly up in the air, the next few weeks could be crucial in determining the success of of Newcastle next season.