Arsenal reveal reasons for sending starlet Willock to Newcastle

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 1 min read

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have explained why they sent young midfielder Joe Willock out on loan to Newcastle United.

Newcastle completed the capture of Willock on loan until the end of the season on deadline day on Monday.

The 21-year-old is highly rated at the Emirates and made 29 Premier League appearances last season.

However, he has found game-time harder to come by this campaign with only seven league appearances – and this is why he was sent to Newcastle.

“Joe is a young player with great ability who is progressing very well and we are happy with his continued development,” manager Arteta explained.

“At this moment in his career, Joe needs to be playing regularly.

“At Newcastle United, he is going to a very good club with a top-quality manager and staff.

“We all wish Joe the very best at Newcastle until the end of the season.”

Arteta’s views were echoed by technical director Edu.

 “Joe is a talented young player and an important member of our first-team squad,” the Brazilian said.

“This can be seen in the number of appearances he has made for us in recent seasons.

“At this stage of his career, we have decided together with Joe, that it will benefit his development greatly to enjoy a loan period playing regular first-team football.

“We thank our counterparts at Newcastle United for their collaboration and we wish Joe all the best with his loan move.”

Willock has also been capped four times by the England Under-21 national team.