Joe Willock has expressed disappointment with his chances at Arsenal this season and was “shocked” by his deadline transfer.
The highly rated Hale End graduate has moved to Newcastle United for the remainder of the season, where he will assist Steve Bruce in his battle against the relegation zone.
Willock stood out in the Europa League that season but found limited opportunities in the Premier League, where he had only started twice for Arsenal – both in November.
Signing Martin Odegaard, who was on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season, was another obstacle in his path and a move to Tyneside should open up more opportunities.
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Willock is now aiming for regular action for Newcastle and has admitted that he was disappointed with how things have turned out this season.
“I’ve been blessed to have played so many games for a great club like Arsenal, but I’m trying to get to the next level. I have to play more in the Premier League, “said the midfielder.
“I was disappointed with the number of games I played for Arsenal in the Premier League. To come here and get more games and help the team and get Newcastle where they should be on the table. “

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The young midfielder is optimistic ahead of Newcastle and has explained how he was “shocked” by Bruce’s plans.
“I spoke to Steve Bruce. At first he approached him in a nice way. He asked how I train and how I am doing and he responded with humor, he made some jokes and I’m a funny guy and I love to have jokes. That was a start.
“He was talking about how he would use me, where he sees me on the team, and he had a whole plan for me. I was shocked. It was the first time I had spoken to a manager and he had a whole plan for me. He called me a couple of times and there were a lot of things that made me think this is the right club for me.