Steve Bruce has confirmed he is planning talks with Arsenal regarding a permanent deal for Joe Willock.
The midfielder joined Newcastle United on loan during the January transfer window and has played a key role in helping the side move closer to sealing another season in the Premier League.
Despite not always being a starter, Willock has chipped in with three important goals for Newcastle - including an equaliser against Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of the month.
His other two goals have come in 3-2 wins for the Magpies - against Southampton and West Ham United - and Bruce has admitted he would love to extend the midfielder's stay at St James' Park.
"He is young, fit, athletic and has a big future. There are lots of conversations to be had," Bruce said at a press conference on Friday morning. "He has thoroughly enjoyed it.
"He enjoyed the adulation of scoring. He has got three vital goals for us. Why wouldn't we want him?
"He is as quick as anyone at the club.
"We have to talk to Arsenal. If we can do something I would love to do it."
Newcastle could face competition from Championship side Middlesbrough for Willock's signature after Neil Warnock confirmed his he likes the £20m-rated Arsenal ace.
"Look at (Joe) Willock at Newcastle – I like him, but he’s probably going to go for about £20m if they get him," Warnock told Teesside Live.
It is probably unlikely that Willock would be willing to drop down a division after proving his quality at Premier League level, but Bruce's interest in holding talks over a deal is potentially good news for Arsenal.
With funds expected to be limited at the Emirates Stadium once again this summer, a £20m cash injection would be welcome for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu.
Arsenal are keen to sign Martin Odegaard permanently and the Real Madrid attacking midfielder has reportedly told those close to him that he would like to stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond the end of this season.
As a result, a £20m boost from selling Willock to Newcastle just might help fund a move for the Norway international.
However, some Arsenal fans would no doubt be sad to see Willock leave on a permanent basis, having scored three goals in 17 appearances for the Gunners this season prior to his loan move, all of which came in the Europa League.
In total, the 21-year-old has scored 11 goals in 78 appearances for Arsenal.
