French outlet RMC Sport claim that Ligue 1 giants Monaco are in talks to sign Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock this summer.
The Englishman spent the second half of last season on loan at Newcastle United, where he became a real star. The Magpies want him back on another loan deal, but it looks like Steve Bruce’s side are set to face some stiff competition.
Monaco, who finished third in Ligue 1 last season, are gearing up for a season in the Champions League if they can get through the qualifiers. Niko Kovac is building a really good side there, and Willock would be a great fit.
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Joe Willock – Sell to Monaco, loan to Newcastle or keep at Arsenal?
Willock is in a very difficult position at the moment. He’s Arsenal through and through and he would love to become a mainstay at the Emirates. However, whether Mikel Arteta wants him here is a whole different story.
At Newcastle, the Englishman knows that he’s loved. He had a phenomenal loan spell earlier this year and the Magpies have been very vocal about their desire to bring him back. That’s always tempting for a player.
Monaco would be a completely different experience for Willock. A different league in a new country and the possibility of playing in the Champions League could be up for grabs. That could be a challenge he may want to try, but it is a bit of a stretch at this point.
Arsenal have a big decision to make
Arteta has to decide whether he has Willock in his plans for next season or not. The uncertainty surrounding the young midfielder’s future is complicating things – not just for interested clubs, but for Arsenal as well.
Willock, labelled as a player with ‘special qualities‘ by Arteta, has entered the final two years of his contract. If the Gunners don’t plan on selling him this summer, we simply have to extend his deal. We can’t afford to have another Matteo Guendouzi situation, but knowing Arsenal, we probably will.
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It will be interesting to see how this pans out in the coming weeks. Keeping hold of Willock really wouldn’t be a bad idea considering our lack of options in the middle of the park. However, if a big offer does arrive, Arsenal will likely cash in on the talented Hale End graduate.
