LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Joe Willock of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Joe Willock of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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Arsenal: 3 reasons to sell Joe Willock

by Ross Kennerley
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Arsenal: 3 reasons to sell Joe Willock in the summer transfer window with Newcastle and fellow Premier League sides keen. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

This is a tough call to make and one that whatever the outcome is will likely leave a sense of regret. Arsenal have just seen Joe Willock complete the most sensational of loan moves at Newcastle and the decision over whether to sell or keep has become a poignant one.

Joe Willock has played 78 times for Arsenal and he’s only just turned 22 years old. The magic of the Hale End academy has once again managed to produce a talent that has broken through into Premier League football, ensuring his place as one of the 0.01% (totally inaccurate estimation) that will succeed in the top-flight.

2020/21 has not been the campaign the midfielder had initially hoped for. The season prior saw him rack up the most appearances of any Arsenal player with 44, a number representative of the faith his manager(s) had placed in him during times of need.

That wasn’t enough to warrant a regular starting berth, with just eight coming in the Premier League, but Unai Emery called upon his boundless energy in the latter stages of matches throughout the campaign, a mantra followed through with Mikel Arteta who used him in some capacity in 15 of the remaining 20 outings in the league.

Arsenal: 3 reasons to sell Joe Willock in the summer transfer window with Newcastle and fellow Premier League sides keen

Willock also featured in every round of the FA Cup triumph up until the final, opening the door for more frequent usage in the next season. Despite accruing an impressive number of appearances he struggled to justify his inclusion in the starting lineup, and became a source of heightened criticism from supporters who deemed him not up to the standard required.

It would be unfair to spout revisionism given his recent exploits. There was unquestionable talent there but he didn’t produce the goods on enough occasions and that followed through into last season where he made 17 outings for Arsenal before being allowed to join Newcastle on loan.

And wow, what a loan it has been. Nothing short of sensational. Under Steve Bruce on Tyneside the Hale Ender has flourished netting on his debut against Southampton before embarking on a record-breaking run. Seven goals in seven consecutive matches saw him etch his name into the history books. He’s never looked better.

So, here the club is with a decision to make. A tough one. One that is drenched in sentiment. There is, however, a choice to make and that is to sell him. Here are three reasons why.

Arsenal, Joe Willock

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Joe Willock of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Newcastle United. (Photo by Matthew Childs – Pool/Getty Images)

1. Joe Willock’s Value Will Never Be Higher

How does one rebuild a squad when you have no money? You make money. How do you make money? You sell players.

That doesn’t mean you have to sell everyone, of course. Almost all of the Arsenal squad is up for sale and finance can be accrued across the pitch but it’s no secret that player sales will dictate what can be done in the transfer window, of which there is plenty of work.

Right now, off the back of outstanding form, Willock’s value has never been higher. Nor is it likely to get any higher. If this wasn’t a COVID-hit market then what could be accrued for him could rise further in which case the Gunners could be upping their valuation higher, it’s just that sadly that isn’t the case.

What is the right fee for him is the crucial point as figures of £20m are undercutting the value of a a goalscoring midfielder who classes as homegrown, is 21 years old and comes with the prestige of being an Arsenal graduate. He ticks all the boxes for being worth more than that sum.

£30m would result in multiple snapped hands. Realistically, however, given the state of the market and club finances, £25m would be an acceptable fee. That’s money to reinvest. Extremely helpful cash at that.

It’s an unpopular decision but Arsenal can’t afford to say no to that kind of money. If it’s far less though, then turn away.

Next: 2. Sustainability

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