Arsenal reportedly set Joe Willock asking price – and it could mean Newcastle United look elsewhere

Willock has scored six goals since arriving on loan from the Gunners on transfer deadline day in January. Five of those have come in his last five games, including his second-half striker against Manchester City in the 4-3 win, tapping home from close range having seen his spot-kick saved by veteren stopper Scott Carson.

The 21-year-old is understood to be right at the top of Magpies’ head coach Steve Bruce’s summer transfer list, but with budgets tight, striking a deal could prove problematic.

And according to journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal want a fee of between £25million and £30million for Willock.

This is higher than the previously quoted £20million, talked about by other journalists.

Willock is likely to go back to Arsenal this summer for assessment but the prospect of him remaining in the Gunners squad for next season are limited, with Mikel Arteta looking to oversee a summer rebuild that will catapult Arsenal back into Champions League reckoning.

Willock left the Emirates in search of games, and is unlikely to settle for playing second or third fiddle in his attacking midfield position at his boyhood club.

The Magpies, meanwhile, are likely to have a limited summer budget, with Bruce primarily shopping in the loan and free transfer market, although a permanent switch for Willock has not been ruled out by the powers-that-be.

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