Ex-Arsenal midfielder Michael Thomas has vented his frustrations with the Gunners' transfer window this summer detailing his displeasure with Joe Willock's £25million move to Newcastle United.
Thomas, who won two First Division titles with the Gunners in 1988/89 and 1990/91, revealed his concern regarding the 22-year-old's move away from the Emirates in exchange for St. James' Park, claiming that he could have become an 'important part of the squad'.
Willock spent a brief spell on loan under Steve Bruce in the twilight stages of last season and returned to Tyneside this summer to reunite with his former boss who oversaw his impressive eight goals in 14 games for Newcastle.
The former Gunner insisted that the north London side hadn't been graced with a midfielder of Willock's goal scoring tendencies since Aaron Ramsey left the club in 2019, expressing his discontent with the deal.
Thomas said: "The sale of Joe Willock was one I really didn’t want to see happen. I think his qualities are something Arsenal haven’t had since Ramsey and with some fine tuning he could have become an important part of the squad.
"He is Arsenal through and through. I wish Joe all the best and maybe one day we will be in a position to lure him back!"
Thomas continued by highlighting how Arsenal have kept hold of Willian this summer, oppose to Willock amid the Brazilian's scathing contract saga.
Willian, who arrived at London Colney on a free from Chelsea at the age of 32-years-old on a three-year deal, remains part of the furniture in north London but has made just eight goal contributions across 37 appearances for the Arsenal and has been labelled a 'massive under-performer'.
The former Arsenal man said: "The Willian situation is a terrible one to be in for Arteta and the player himself. He is a high earner and a massive under-performer.
"Something needs to change and fast. It’s hard to see who would want to take a hit on him given his wages."
Thomas then concluded as he delved into the brighter side of Arsenal's summer transfer window highlighting the arrival of Martin Odegaard, who he tipped to be a hit at the Emirates.
"The summer signing I am most happy to see is Martin Odegaard," said Thomas. "He is a brilliant young player. Intelligent with the ball, his work ethic is enormous and he just looks like he loves the game.
"I think he will be a hit but the club needs more to supplement his qualities and help him create."
