Arsenal legend Martin Keown has hit out at the club's decision to allow Joe Willock to move to Newcastle United.
Willock has signed a six-year deal and completed a £25m transfer to St James' Park where he impressed during a five-month loan spell last season.
Keown, who won three Premier League titles at his time with the Gunners, says he's 'disappointed' that Willock has been allowed to leave.
"I’m disappointed, as an Arsenal man and I’m sure the academy is," he told talkSPORT.
"He hasn’t been given the opportunity when he’s come back [from the North East]. Arteta’s made a very clear decision that he doesn’t feel he’s good enough for Arsenal.
"He’s going to be used as collateral to buy a new player, but I think Joe Willock could’ve played in a different position, maybe a deep-lying playmaker."
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Bruce spoke ahead of formal confirmation of Willock's move to Newcastle.
"We explored the loan option, but when that couldn't happen we knew we had to buy him," Bruce said.
"Which is fantastic so fair play. We have had to be patient.
"To be fair to my bosses they always said if Joe became available we'd try to buy him.
"Where else would you sign a 21-year-old who scored seven goals on the trot."
