A deal appears to be edging closer for the Arsenal midfielder, but Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has remained firmly cryptic in his stance on the potential move.
“This situation is that he’s our player,” he said in a press conference this week. “We held some conversations, because it’s not only about what we want to do, there’s the player’s interest, the role that the player can fit within a squad, a club.
“What he’s done has put him in a really strong position where he can choose, with more options, what his future could look like. This is what we’re trying to define right now.”
Asked if he expected 21-year-old Willock to still be an Arsenal player when the transfer window closes at the end of the month, Arteta said: “I don’t know. I’m not going to say that, because you’ll come like you did earlier with a quote from last season. I’d prefer not to answer that.”
Newcastle, yet to sign a player this summer, hope to register Willock – who scored eight goals on loan for them last season – in time for Sunday’s season-opener against West Ham United.
United have made no comment since agreeing a fee with Arsenal for Willock. Speaking last weekend, head coach Steve Bruce said: “We’re pursing our No.1 target (Willock).
"We’re trying as best we can. Let’s hope we can make a breakthrough.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below…
5. Update on Spurs efforts to land Tomiyasu
Tottenham target Takehiro Tomiyasu ‘wants’ to join Spurs and an agreement has already been reached with Bologna for around £16.9 million. (Calcio Mercato) (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) Photo: Koji Watanabe
6. Bielsa frustrated by O'Brien situation
Marcelo Bielsa has been left “exasperated” by Leeds United's failure to make a breakthrough in their talks for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien. (Football Insider) (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
7. Willock agrees terms
Joe Willock has agreed personal terms with Newcastle United on a six-year contract ahead of his move from Arsenal. (The Athletic) (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) Photo: Marc Atkins
8. Leeds close in on Hjelde
Leeds United are on the verge of securing the signing of Leo Hjelde after agreeing a fee with Celtic. A medical is said to have been booked ahead of a potential switch. (Football Insider) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill