Mikel Arteta is reportedly ready to give Joe Willock a second chance, as per a report in The Northern Echo but Arsenal fans are sceptical about the decision.
Having struggled to find regular first-team action at the Emirates Stadium, the 21-year-old was sent out on loan to Newcastle United in the second half of last season. The Hale End graduate made 14 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side, scoring eight goals in this period.
The midfielder quickly became a fan favourite, after helping the Magpies to stay up in the top-flight with excellent performances. Following a productive stint at the Saint James’ Park, Newcastle boss desperately wanted the youngster back at the northern bank of Tyne.
According to the report in The Northern Echo, Willock will be involved in the pre-season tours as Mikel Arteta has been impressed by the youngster’s professionalism so far in training.
The report further claims that the Spanish boss is willing to examine the 21-year-old’s development and will give him chances to impress during the friendlies. The Englishman’s future will depend on the performances in these fixtures.
However, fans are not too keen on having the player back and want the club to cash in on the youbgster. Here are some of the best tweets:
Some good news atleast
— Joga Bonito 🇵🇸 (@fighting_gooner) July 13, 2021
Misssssstake!
— Cannon Fodder Podcast (@podcannonfodder) July 13, 2021
Finished club
— Effort Oba (@EffortOba) July 13, 2021
Genuinely okay with the idea of Willock as back up. We’re lacking in creativity and he offers something different
— 🌶 (@bukayo7saka) July 13, 2021
Arteta is confused did same thing last season with Xhaka, Elneny, and a few others before allowing them go on loan in Jan transfer winger.
We are going to regret not sacking him.
— DRE (@realOgbeni) July 13, 2021
Brilliant means we are aren’t signing another CM👍🏻, clubs absolutley dusted
— AJ🔴⚪️🏴 (@RedAndWhiteAlex) July 13, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
It is good that Arsenal are taking a second look at Joe Willock before making the final decision. The midfielder’s performance in the latter stages of the last season was impressive, scoring in seven consecutive matches from midfield is an astonishing achievement.
The midfielder’s dynamism will help Arteta to implement the high-press system. The 21-year-old’s aerial prowess will also be effective on both sides of the pitch. He has unique attributes that the north London club do not have in their armoury and against the attacking-minded oppositions, Willock could be very useful in transitions.
The midfielder can be deployed alongside Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian’s defensive ability will help the Englishman to roam around and win possession higher up the field. But, the youngster could be a liability against low blocks, but given his age, he has ample time to develop under Arteta’s tutelage.
Should Arsenal sign a new midfielder cashing in on Willock would be a shrewd decision. However, if they fail to do so, then the Emirates club can not afford to lose another midfielder, with the expected departures of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira.
Read More: Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin hands in a transfer request
