Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal should keep Joe Willock next season - despite the interest of Newcastle United.
Willock has impressed since moving to St James' Park on loan back in January - and has scored some vital goals to take the Magpies away from the relegation zone.
The 21-year-old scored for the third successive game on Saturday, grabbing a last-minute equaliser to secure a deserved point against Liverpool in the last round of games.
Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel - FIVE - shared his admiration for Willock and suggested Arsenal would be careless to let the midfielder leave in the summer.
"You know what, I like Joe Willock," he said. "He’s someone at Arsenal that I would have kept. He’s a good young player.
"‘If Arsenal don’t take him back and have him around that squad… I don’t know, man.
"I really like him and I like his personality. He’s not shy to come on the big stage and play and perform.
"And the last three goals he’s scored have been massive goals for Newcastle. It shows he’s got the temperament."
Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce has made no secret of his desire to keep Joe Willock at the club but it's not clear if that's on loan or a permanent deal.
A £20 million fee has been touted and Willock has also suggested he would be happy to return to St James' Park.
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