Hale End academy star was sold by Mikel Arteta for just £25m, now former Arsenal star could cost them a trophy

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With Arsenal’s Hale End academy producing so much talent, there have been plenty of stars coming and going within the senior side.

There have been impressive aces making their way into the team, with Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly being a few examples of that.

There have also been some who made an impact but couldn’t quite stick around to see out the rest of the journey at Arsenal.

Emile Smith Rowe is now flourishing at Fulham, being one prime example of a star who has left the Gunners to impress elsewhere.

Another who could fit in that mould is Joe Willock, who came through at Hale End, but could now cost his old side in cup competitions.

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Joe Willock could cost Arsenal in Newcastle Carabao Cup semi-final

Joe Willock came through the ranks at Arsenal, going on to rack up an impressive 78 appearances in the senior team.

The midfielder brought energy to a box-to-box role that saw him chip in with goals and assists as much as he was capable of putting in some big challenges.

In 2021 though, Willock was seen as struggling to get into the team on a regular basis, with Mikel Arteta sending him out on loan to Newcastle.

There, the midfielder impressed and bagged plenty of goals for the side, going on to make a £25million move to St. James’ Park.

While injuries have caused problems for him, the 25-year-old has hit top form once again for the Magpies, which could be costly for Arsenal.

The Carabao Cup semi-final second leg is just around the corner, which pits the Gunners up against Newcastle and their old Hale End star.

Willock and his teammates hold a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg, with Arsenal needing to overcome that deficit to earn a place in the final.

If the midfielder has one of his trademark impressive performances, it could end up costing Arteta a chance at a trophy.

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How has Joe Willock performed since leaving Arsenal?

Willock’s career at Newcastle has been plagued with a few injury troubles, but he has been impressive when keeping fit.

This campaign has seen him eased back into action as an impact player, with the occasional start for the Magpies.

With just over two years remaining on his contract, Willock will be looking to fight his way back into the first-team on a more regular basis.

The road to doing so could start against Arsenal once again, where it all started for him.