Arteta offers no clues over Willock future
MIKEL Arteta admits he was ‘really happy’ for Joe Willock after the Arsenal loanee came on to score the winning goal for Newcastle United against West Ham - but the Gunners’ boss stopped short of discussing the midfielder’s future.
The momentum was with 10-man West Ham when Willock entered the fray in the 80th minute after the visitors recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw level at St James’ Park.
However, Willock headed Newcastle back in front with just his second touch after getting on the end of Matt Ritchie’s teasing cross.
It was Willock’s third goal for Newcastle since joining the club on loan on deadline day and the 21-year-old has now helped the Magpies earn a crucial seven points from games against Southampton, Spurs and West Ham.
Steve Bruce wants to keep Willock, who is a player ‘you would love to build your club around,’ but the Newcastle head coach is ‘unsure’ if it will be possible.
Willock remains a popular figure at Arsenal and Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson were among those team-mates who sent congratulatory messages to him after his winning goal on Saturday lunchtime.
Following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Fulham at the Emirates 24 hours later, Arteta was asked about Willock’s performances for Newcastle and if any discussions had taken place yet about where the Londoner will be playing next season.
He said: “I am really happy with
Joe because he scored a massive goal for Newcastle.
“When he produces big moments like that, for a young talent like him, it is very satisfying.
“Joe can do it - he has the ability and the desire - and now he is gaining more consistency in terms of minutes and performances on the field and that is great for his development.
“That is why we all believed it was the right thing for him to go on loan to Newcastle.”