Joe Willock has reportedly agreed personal terms with Newcastle ahead of his proposed permanent transfer to the northeast.
In Arsenal’s pre-match press conference for their opening game with Brentford this weekend, Mikel Arteta admitted that Willock's future will be resolved shortly with the Gunners midfielder set to complete a permanent transfer to Newcastle, football.london understands.
The final fee is expected to reach £25million inclusive of add-ons, while football.london has learned that a sell-on clause will also be inserted into the deal.
And, as per the Athletic, the 21-year-old has now agreed personal terms with the Magpies, and is expected to undergo a medical on Friday morning.
Willock, who scored eight goals on Tyneside in a successful loan spell during the second half of last season, has been a fringe player since Arteta's arrival at the Emirates Stadium, and although the Spaniard likes the player, he evidently struggled to fit him into his team.
The Hale End graduate will now leave the club he has been at since he was a schoolboy and return to Newcastle – where he will likely be a guaranteed starter - to play under Steve Bruce.
Still, as good a deal as it is for both parties, most Arsenal fans have been left feeling saddened by the deal, and have wished Willock well on his new endeavour, whilst others believe they have to replace him immediately with another attacking midfielder
Take a look at what’s been said on Twitter:
@Wigangooner said: “What if moving on Willock meant that we could pay £50million for Odegaard? I'd pay that.”
@blanegunner said: “Newcastle have agreed personal terms with Joe Willock. Deal to be around £25 million. Opens doors for other players to come in at the CAM position. Good Deal.”
@shteeeeve said: “Very disappointed to see Willock go, he scores goals from midfield, something that we lack! We must sign a quality number 10 otherwise what on earth are we playing at?!”
Arteta will now continue to prepare for tomorrow evening’s clash with Brentford without Willock as the Gunners look to start off the season with three points.
