Joe Willock admits he was hurt after it became clear that Mikel Arteta had no plans for him at Arsenal ahead of his permanent transfer to Newcastle United in 2021. But now thriving under Eddie Howe at St James’ Park, Willock has issued a warning to the Gunners, Manchester City and the rest of England’s elite.
Arsenal sent the 23-year-old midfielder to Newcastle on loan for the 2020/21 season, where he impressed club figures and then-manager Steve Bruce.
Willock returned to north London hoping to fight his way into Arteta’s thinking, but it wasn’t to be.
He joined Newcastle in a £25million deal and has now explained the gut-wrenching moment when it became clear he had no future at his boyhood club.
Willock told The Telegraph: “I remember that summer going back to Arsenal, and I didn’t know what to do. I’d enjoyed the loan, but to make it permanent was a big call. I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave Arsenal.
“I probably thought I was going to go back and things would be the same. I’d be working to break into the first team again, and everything would be familiar and comfortable.
“When the talk of a permanent move started, I wasn’t sure, you know. The fans probably made that decision easier, but also Steve Bruce. He really fought to bring me here. He was great for me.
“We had loads of conversations on the phone that summer. I wasn’t valued at Arsenal. That became clear. When I had a meeting with them, it was obvious they wanted me to go. Yeah, it hurt.
“I would probably have drifted for another year had I stayed. I’d been there since I was four-and-a-half years old. I’d given my life to Arsenal.
“At that meeting, it just felt like my time was up. I didn’t feel valued anymore, and that was it. I was going to sign for Newcastle after that.”
Willock has burst into life under Howe’s guidance on Tyneside, making 41 appearances in all competitions this season.
His performances, which have earned the nickname ‘Williockinho’ among supporters, have put him in the frame for a potential England call-up. Gareth Southgate is aware of his progress.
But operating in a successful team will have helped his development, with Newcastle requiring two wins from their final four games to confirm Champions League football next term.
And Willock has warned his former club and other Premier League heavyweights by saying the Magpies are just getting started.
“This season has been a hell of a ride. We’ve got to a cup final, and we are third in the league, but if you ask any of the players, we don’t feel like we have achieved anything yet,” Willock said.
“We have come a long way from fighting relegation to third in the league, which is a credit to the whole club, from the owners to the manager to the coaches. It’s down to everybody.
“But we think this is the start of our journey. Things are going to get better and better. I’m so happy here, I love playing football for this club, and I’m going to get better too. I can still take my game to another level.”
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