This already has the feel of a long and ongoing transfer saga that could rumble on well into the upcoming summer transfer window.
Joe Willock was a huge success on Tyneside and he finished the campaign with seven goals in his previous seven games, incredibly levelling the great Alan Shearer’s record for goals in consecutive games as a Newcastle United player.
So, it is hardly surprising that the overwhelming feeling across United fans is one of hope that we can somehow manage to prise the promising 21-year old from his parent club Arsenal.
Unfortunately, with an option to buy clause in his contract, that may prove to be difficult as it means Mike Ashley, Lee Charnley and co may have to engage in some form of negotiations.
With reports coming out from various sources claiming that the Magpies’ transfer budget for the summer is around the £10M mark and Willock issuing an emotional goodbye to the supporters via his personal Instagram account, there is little room for optimism that it is a deal that can be pulled off.
Well respected journalist David Ornstein of the Athletic has put on record his thoughts on the possibility of any deal and how much it may cost the Magpies by saying the following:
“As I understand it, if an offer was to come in for him (Joe Willock) this summer of £10M, £15M for example, no chance. Arsenal wouldn’t even consider it.
“If it comes in for £20M, £25M, there may be a conversation to have.”
We are the club that paid a reported club record £40M to bring Joelinton in from Hoffenheim, if we turn our nose up at the chance to sign Willock was the 20-25 million price mark, it would truly be a terrible decision.
That is not a lot of money in this day and age and a worry has to be that if United aren’t willing to stump up the cash then another Premier League side will take note of his goalscoring exploits and stump up the cash themselves.