Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has reiterated his desire to re-sign Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, following the player’s impressive loan spell at the club last term.
The Gunners academy graduate made the switch to St James’ Park on a six-month loan deal in February, going on to become an instant fans’ favourite with a string of impressive displays.
While largely utilised off the bench for the Magpies, the 21-year-old ended the season with eight goals in just 14 Premier League games, netting vital late strikes against the likes of Tottenham, West Ham United and Liverpool.
He would end the campaign with a final day strike against Fulham to become the youngest player in top-flight history to score in seven consecutive league games, while he also equalled the club record set by Alan Shearer for goals in consecutive games.
With no option-to-buy included in the deal that took him to St James’, the Englishman has since returned to the Emirates, although Newcastle seemingly retain hope of taking him back to the north east.
The north London club have recently tied attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe down to a new deal, while Leicester City’s James Maddison has also been linked with a move to the club, with Willock likely to face a real fight for regular game time under Mikel Arteta.
Steve Bruce insists he is keen to re-sign the player this summer, but suggested the club are waiting for Arsenal to make a decision.
“You have to ask Arsenal, it’s their decision and it’s the player’s decision,” he told Sky Sports following Newcastle’s pre-season game against Doncaster.
“Of course we want him back, he did great with us and gives us another dimension in midfield that we haven’t got.
“We’ll keep bashing away at it.”
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