Mikel Arteta insists Joe Willock will STAY at Arsenal next season

Mikel Arteta insists Joe Willock will STAY at Arsenal next season as Gunners boss plays down links with a permanent Newcastle switch for in-form Gunners youngster

Mikel Arteta has insisted that the in-form Joe Willock has a place in his Arsenal squad for next season amid speculation that the youngster could make his loan switch to Newcastle United permanent. 

The 21-year-old moved to the North East in January in a loan switch after being given limited playing time by the Spaniard and has thrived under Steve Bruce, scoring in his last six Premier League games for the Magpies.

As a result of his sensational form, Newcastle are rumoured to be making a formal offer for the Englishman, but Arsenal boss Arteta maintains that Willock will be playing football in north London next season.

‘I’m really happy things have gone so well for him because of the potential Joe had,’ Arteta said ahead of Sunday’s game against Brighton. ‘I think it was great for him to go away and have a different experience.

‘He has grabbed that opportunity in a really positive and remarkable way. He will be back with us, we will have those conversations with him and plan the next few years for him.’

Arsenal will welcome up to 10,000 supporters back to the Emirates Stadium for Sunday’s visit of Brighton in what is expected to be a mixed atmosphere given the side’s performances as well as discontent with the club’s ownership. 

The Gunners enter the season finale with slim hopes of qualifying for the Europa Conference League next season, with Spurs and Everton in stronger positions to seal a place in the new competition. 

More to follow.