‘Keep badgering’: Steve Bruce makes transfer claim about Arsenal ace Joe Willock

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It is no secret at this point that Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce would love to re-sign Joe Willock from Arsenal this summer.

The Englishman spent the second half of last season on loan at St. James’ Park and he became a fan favourite there. He ended the campaign with seven consecutive goals in as many league games, and that convinced Magpies supporters that he should be their priority target.

Bruce has been very vocal about his interest in Willock for a few months now. He reiterated his desire again yesterday and he claims that Newcastle will ‘keep badgering’ Arsenal until Mikel Arteta makes a decision on the 21-year-old’s future.

Steve Bruce: Newcastle would love to sign Arsenal ace Joe Willock

He said, as per The Daily Mail: “As I’ve said, it’s really Arsenal’s decision, and until Arsenal make a decision – a bit like all the big clubs, they have a look over pre-season – we’ll keep monitoring and badgering away.

“We’d love to do something but it’s still Arsenal’s call.”

The Insider’s View:

Rumours claimed last week that the Magpies were close to finalising a deal for Willock, but Bruce’s comments suggest otherwise. Arsenal are yet to make a decision, and that’s good news for the supporters.

There’s absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind about Willock’s talent. Everyone at Arsenal has noticed his potential to become a top player, but his consistency was always a big worry.

Willock squashed that concern with his outstanding end to last season. He set a new Premier League record thanks to his goals, but more importantly, he showed all of us that he can score consistently at the top level against some of the biggest sides in the country.

Read more: Mikel Arteta names the three things he’s making Arsenal players work on in pre-season

Arsenal would be better off keeping Willock, but his contract situation could complicate things. He has just two years left and the Gunners have to sort that out ASAP. If we can’t, we’ll have no choice but to sell him, but loaning him out without extending his deal should not even be an option this summer.