The 21-year-old moved to St James’s Park on January transfer deadline day on a deal until the end of the season – quickly settling into his temporary surroundings.
Willock scored on his debut in the 3-2 win versus Southampton and hasn’t looked back, starting every game since his arrival.
“I love playing for Newcastle,” Willock said when asked if he’d like to return next season. “When I first came here I was a bit apprehensive about how I would take it because I’ve never left Arsenal.
“I’ve been at Arsenal since I was four and a half so coming to a new club, coming up north to Newcastle was a bit scary.
“But as I came here and I settled in and saw the love from the fans that I’ve been receiving and everyone is like a family here.
“Of course I’d love to continue playing here and I love Newcastle at this moment in time.”
Any move for Willock, however, will be dependent on Newcastle’s league status next term due to the threat of relegation.
Should Steve Bruce want to extend Willock’s time in the North East then he is being tipped to succeed by established Arsenal reporter Charles Watts.
He said: “I think if you can get a decent amount of money for Joe Willock – if Newcastle stay up and are interested in signing him permanently – then that’s something Arsenal should probably look to do.
“I think it’d be good for Arsenal and I think it’d be good for Joe Willock as well, because I think when you look long-term, does Joe Willock really have a future as a first-team regular at Arsenal? I don’t think he does.”
Here are the latest transfer headlines surrounding Newcastle and their Premier League rivals:
1. Man City emerge as Grealish favourites
Manchester City have emerged as favourites to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this summer, almost one year after local rivals Manchester United failed to lure him to Old Trafford. (Daily Mail) Photo: NEIL HALL
2. Spurs opt against keeping Vinicius
Tottenham Hotspur will decide against activating Carlos Vinicius’ £38million clause in order to sign the Brazilian permanently from Benfica. (Football Insider) Photo: Julian Finney
3. Brighton poised to take Celtic starlet on trial
Brighton and Hove Albion are waiting for the green light to take Celtic goalkeeper Vincent Angelini on trial with a view to signing him at the end of his contract this summer. (Daily Record) Photo: Mike Hewitt
4. Liverpool eye £43m defender
Liverpool are considering a £43million move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who is also wanted by Bayern Munich and Barcelona. (Gazzetta dello Sport via Metro) Photo: Marco Luzzani