'There aren't many like him around' – former Arsenal title-winning hero Kevin Campbell rates Newcastle United target Joe Willock

‘There aren’t many like him around’.
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Former Arsenal striker and top flight title winner Kevin Campbell believes Newcastle United are signing a unique player with all the qualities to thrive on Tyneside – IF Joe Willock’s loan deal from the Emirates gets rubber-stamped before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

Willock is expected to sign on the dotted line with United this evening, adding to Steve Bruce’s attacking midfield options.

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And should the deal go through, Campbell, who played more than 200 games for the Highbury outfit between 1988 and 1995, thinks United could have a gem on their hands, even if his future in North London remains in the balance.

Kevin Campell (right) and Tony Adams of Arsenal FC.  (Photo by Rob Gallagher/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Kevin Campell (right) and Tony Adams of Arsenal FC.  (Photo by Rob Gallagher/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Kevin Campell (right) and Tony Adams of Arsenal FC. (Photo by Rob Gallagher/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Speaking to the Gazette about the 21-year-old, Campbell said: “He needs to be developed – and the best way for that to happen is on loan.

“As a player he has really good attributes for an attacking midfielder. He makes good forward runs beyond the strikers, has a real eye for goal and importantly an excellent engine.

“To be honest, there aren’t many like him around.”

When asked whether the player is expected to make an impact on return to the Emirates, Campbell thinks Willock still has a lot to prove.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Joe Willock of Arsenal reacts after his shot is saved by Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England.LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Joe Willock of Arsenal reacts after his shot is saved by Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Joe Willock of Arsenal reacts after his shot is saved by Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England.
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“He needs to go out and play and prove he can do it, week-in, week-out,” he said.

The departure of DeAndre Yedlin to Galatasaray has freed up a space in United’s 25-man Premier League squad but due to Willock’s age, 21, he would not need to be named in it.

That leaves a space free for Bruce to sign another player, or bring a Christian Atsu or Henri Saivet back into the fold.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 11: Arsenal players from left to right, Andy Linighan, Kevin Campbell, Paul Davis, David Rocastle and Lee Dixon  celebrate after securing the League Division One Championship by winning the League Division One match against Coventry City at Highbury on May 11, 1991 in London, England.  (Photo by Ben Radford/Allsport/Getty Images)LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 11: Arsenal players from left to right, Andy Linighan, Kevin Campbell, Paul Davis, David Rocastle and Lee Dixon  celebrate after securing the League Division One Championship by winning the League Division One match against Coventry City at Highbury on May 11, 1991 in London, England.  (Photo by Ben Radford/Allsport/Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 11: Arsenal players from left to right, Andy Linighan, Kevin Campbell, Paul Davis, David Rocastle and Lee Dixon celebrate after securing the League Division One Championship by winning the League Division One match against Coventry City at Highbury on May 11, 1991 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Radford/Allsport/Getty Images)

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