Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have sent Joe Willock to Newcastle to play more minutes on the first team and hope the Magpies fulfill their side of the loan deal.
Willock has made two Premier League starts this season, but has become an increasingly peripheral player under Arteta after Emile Smith Rowe appeared on the first team.
In Newcastle, Willock joins a fighting team in the Premier League that takes 17th place for shots, 15th place for goals and 18th place for creating opportunities, which means he’ll bring a little more creativity to Steve Bruce got to.
When Arsenal and Newcastle confirmed the transfer at 11:00 p.m. on the deadline, Arteta and Edu emphasized what they want to see from Willock and Newcastle for the remainder of 2020/21 as the window closed.
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“Joe is a talented young player and an important part of our first-team squad,” said Edu. “This shows in the number of gigs he’s done for us over the past few years.
“At this stage in his career, we and Joe decided that enjoying a loan period in regular first-team football would be very beneficial for his development.
“We thank our colleagues at Newcastle United for their collaboration and wish Joe all the best on his loan move.”
Bruce has favored a 4-4-2 for much of the season with Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden being his preferred midfield partnership, although the latter was also used on defense, with Jeff Hendrick and Sean and Matty Longstaff the other orthodox central options.
Willock has played both as an attacking midfielder and in a deeper role for Arsenal under Arteta.
He was not signed in time to qualify for Newcastle’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday but could face Southampton on Saturday.
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“Joe is a young player with great ability who is making very good progress and we are pleased with his development,” said Arteta.
“At this point in his career, Joe has to play regularly. At Newcastle United he goes to a very good club with a highly qualified manager and employees.
“We all wish Joe all the best in Newcastle until the end of the season.”
