Mikel Arteta insists Joe Willock will be back at Arsenal next season – but Newcastle remain determined to sign the midfielder.
The 21-year-old joined Steve Bruce’s side on transfer deadline day and has become a firm favourite on Tyneside.
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He has helped them secure Premier League survival with seven goals, including six in his last six matches.
After scoring in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over rock-bottom Sheffield United, Willock suggested he was ready to push for a permament move to Newcastle.
Arteta has appeared to close the door on the prospect of Willock leaving Arsenal in the summer.
Asked whether Willock will still be an Arsenal player next season, the Gunners boss said: “For sure because he’s got a contract and he’s going to be here. That’s for sure.
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“He got the responsibility and the task to go to Newcastle to help them go where they want.
“I spoke with their coaching staff and they’re extremely happy because he was a key part of contributing to get the objectives that they had. That’s a real positive for him.
“I’m really happy things have gone so well for him because of the potential he had. 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.”
That has not deterred Newcastle boss Steve Bruce, though, who has vowed to test Arsenal’s resolve to hang on to Willock.
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Bruce said: “We always said that it was a double-edged sword, and we have to respect that he is Arsenal’s player.
“We’ll see over the summer whether we can test their resolve. Let’s see. As I’ve said many, many times now, I’ve got total respect. Let’s not disrespect Arsenal, he is their player.”
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