What we know about Newcastle United's chances of signing £20m-rated attacking midfielder

Newcastle are indeed interested in the youngster, who has scored three more open play goals than any midfielder at the Emirates Stadium this season.

And the gossip doing the rounds suggests Arsenal have set their asking price for Joe Willock at £20million after his recent form.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation at St James Park, bagging five goals in 11 appearances.

That tally included late goals in games against Liverpool, West Ham and Tottenham which helped Steve Bruce’s men pick up an additional five points.

However, a recent report from The Athletic revealed the surprising news that the Gunners have been watching their loanee closely.

But, somewhat surprisingly, the London club has taken the uncommon step of preparing scouting reports on Willock.

It is said that Arsenal are interested in retaining his services but are also keen on £35m-rated Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, which could work in the Tynersiders’ favour.

Indeed, Newcastle’s hopes of signing Joe Willock on a permanent deal have received a boost from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

“There are so many things to do,” Arteta replied when asked if he expected a big outlay of players coming and going in the summer.

“We already have a lot of players on loan, a lot of players with contracts still that we have to sort and it will depend on what happens with a lot of those players.

“And what we are able to recruit to improve the team is going to determine where we are.

“We have been sitting down the whole year, we have been in constant communication, and things will change.

“Some things will stick to the plan that we already have and some other things will come out. But we sit down very, very regularly to talk about those things obviously.”

Asked if Arsenal needed to sell players in order to buy, Arteta replied: “I don’t think it is completely like that, but it will restrict and it will alter some plans in relation to what happens with one or two.”

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