Arsenal are facing a transfer dilemma regarding 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 preserving their status as a Premier League club.
After netting an equaliser against Liverpool on Saturday, Willock now has four goals in Magpies colours and is fast earning the nickname 'super-sub' as a result of making an impact off the bench in recent weeks.
Prior to his side's trip to Anfield, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce confirmed he was planning talks with Arsenal regarding a permanent transfer for Willock.
"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."
Currently valued at £14.4million on transfermarkt, it has been suggested that Willock's price tag could be in the £20m region, and his valuation could increase if he continues to make vital contributions for Newcastle.
And given the fact that the financial situation is Arsenal's biggest problem right now, they'll need to sell first-team players this summer in order to raise funds to improve Mikel Arteta's squad.
But the dilemma is should they cash in on Willock or integrate him in midfield next season.
Interestingly, Willock may have already hinted at being open to joining Newcastle permanently after revealing he immediately felt at peace upon arriving on Tyneside.
"When I decided to come here I had a sense of peace, I didn't ever feel like it was going to be the wrong one (decision). When I came here, everyone was so welcoming," he said, as per the Chronicle.
"My first day everyone was speaking to me, I was speaking to the manager, that was when I knew it was the right decision and to score on my debut and to get three points is an even bigger plus.
"I'm trying to focus on what I have to do now, focus on Newcastle United. I'm not really looking at Arsenal at the moment.
"I'm here to prove to Newcastle United that I can play every week and affect the games and win games for them. I'm not really looking at Arsenal, when that time comes for me to make a decision to go back or not that will come but right now, I'm focused on Newcastle and I'm loving every minute that I'm here."
