Arsenal could be about to complete a deal that will divide opinion in the fanbase.
Newcastle have reportedly broken their original transfer budget of £20million, by agreeing a £25million deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock according to Graeme Bailey from 90min.com.
90min claims an exclusive on this one, suggesting that the only hold up is whilst Willock himself decides if he wants to make the move.
They say that Arsenal have given the go ahead to the move, which would be a significant investment for Newcastle, but they see Willock as a good long term investment.
It’s never nice to see a Hale End boy leave, especially one who has done so well in the Premier League last season.
This deal will definitely divide the fanbase, if it goes through. Many fans believe that Willock has what it takes to become a success at Arsenal and aged just 21, the goal scoring prowess he has shown makes him a serious asset to any side.
Others will argue that we have not seen enough from Willock in an Arsenal shirt to suggest that he can contribute enough to this team. Willock is yet to really identify himself in a position, neither able to play at the base of a 4-2-3-1 or dominate in the number 10 role.
Willock excelled as a low touch player for Newcastle, given the freedom to roam on the right side of a three man midfield, a formation Arsenal very rarely deploy.
If selling Willock helps us push through moves for other players, I think it is worth parting with him at that £25million price point. Ideally the Gunners would include a buy-back option or a sell-on % to protect themselves from Willock developing into a high value asset.
Would you be happy or unhappy if Arsenal allowed this £25million deal to go through? Tell us on Twitter @Fresh_Arsenal.