Time is 'running out' for Newcastle United new boy Joe Willock at Arsenal

That was the verdict of North London-based football writer Layth Yousif, who has followed Willock’s career as he made his way through the Arsenal ranks during his time cover the Gunners for the likes of Mail Online, Football London and the Islington Gazette.

Willock officially moved to the North East on a temporary deal on deadline day last week and made a successful debut for the Magpies as he scored the opening goal in their eventful 3-2 win against Southampton on Saturday.

But the emergence of Emile Smith-Rowe and the signing of Danish international Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid has limited his chances of forcing his way into Mikel Arteta’s side.

Yousif fears time is not on the young midfielder’s side in his bid to make a Gunners breakthrough – and believes that the move to the North East could even be turned into a permanent one if the price is right.

He said: “For a player that will turn 22 in August you do fear that time is running out for Willock at Arsenal in terms of making a breakthrough along the lines of someone like Emile Smith Rowe.

“With the arrival of Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid his opportunities will be lessened further.

“Willock simply hasn't made the progress his talent suggested he could.

“If he has an exuberant six months on Tyneside it could prompt a permanent move, which could be the making of him – because it's difficult to see him having a long-term future at Arsenal.

“It just depends what fee Arsenal would demand for a young English attacker with plenty of Premier League experience and whether Newcastle would want to pay it.”

Yousif – who attended Arsenal’s claim 3-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates last month – insisted that the England Under-21 international can provide the United boss with something that he is missing in his midfield during his time on Tyneside.

He told The Gazette: “I've always had a lot of time for Newcastle as a club and its fanbase and it’s sad to see the club struggling. I covered Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Newcastle at the Emirates a couple of weeks ago and was struck by how pedestrian they were.

“Joe Willock will certainly add a dash of dynamism.

“He is predominantly a right midfielder so he would dovetail well with Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey in a midfield three in place of Jeff Hendrick further forward.

“He has a great technique and can be a powerful presence. The thing that holds him back is that you sense he doesn't actually believe how good he could be.

“It is difficult to influence games as a substitute but at the top level you simply have to grab your chances when they come - and Willock hasn't ever done that on a consistent basis.

“That said, he's a terrific talent who could be an influential attacking presence for Newcastle if he flowers over the next six months. And if he does, the fans will love him for it.

“Whatever Willock does has got to be better than Hendrick's single assist in 16 Premier League games.”

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