Joe Willock completes £22million move to Newcastle from Arsenal

Joe Willock completes £22million move to Newcastle from Arsenal on a long-term deal after stellar loan last season – but will NOT be available for the Magpies’ Premier League opener against West Ham

• Joe Willock enjoyed a successful loan last season, scoring eight in 14 games
• Boss Steve Bruce stated his delight the club could ‘get the deal over the line’
• The Magpies had hoped to register him in time to be available against West Ham
• But they instead confirmed he can play against Aston Villa next weekend 

Joe Willock has completed his move from Arsenal to Newcastle for £22million on Friday afternoon.

The 21-year-old, who has signed a long-term deal, enjoyed a stellar loan spell at St James’ Park last season, scoring eight goals in just 14 league games.

That goalscoring run saw him become the youngest ever player to score in seven successive Premier League matches, helping the Magpies finish 12th, and Willock revealed his delight at joining.

Joe Willock has completed a move to Newcastle after a successful loan with the club last term

The former Arsenal midfielder scored eight goals in just 14 Premier League games last season

He said: ‘I’m buzzing to be here. I loved my time here last season and I’m really happy to be back and to be a Newcastle United player.

‘Leaving Arsenal is obviously a big step, and I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club for all their support over the years, but this is the right move to the right club at the right time for me.

‘I only got one chance to play in front of a smaller number of Newcastle fans as a home player last season, so I can’t wait to step out in front of a packed St. James’ Park and experience that atmosphere. Come on, you Maggies!’

The club had hoped Willock would be available for the season opener against West Ham on Sunday, if they had registered him by midday on Friday, but Newcastle have now confirmed he will be available for next week’s match against Aston Villa.

Steve Bruce spoke of his delight that the Magpies have been able to get a deal over the line

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce added: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to secure our number one target. We have had to be patient and persistent, but it has been worth the wait to bring Joe back.

‘I want to thank Lee Charnley in particular for the work he has put in to make the deal happen. The club have gone above and beyond to make it possible.

‘Joe is a wonderful young player with all the attributes you want in a midfielder, and he certainly proved that during his time with us last season.

‘This is a move I know our supporters really wanted us to make, and I know they will join me in giving Joe a very warm welcome back to St. James’ Park.’   

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