Joe Willock inches closer to Newcastle United move

Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock has agreed to personal terms on a permanent move to Newcastle United (various reports). The six-year contract offered to Willock finally got the deal over the line after Willock's agent and Newcastle were deadlocked for the last few days.

Willock was rumored to a Newcastle move all Summer, with manager Steve Bruce hinting on several occasions that Willock was their No 1 target all window. Days ago, Bruce told the media, "Look, I'd love to make a signing before West Ham… We're pursing our No.1 target (Willock). We're trying as best we can. Let's hope we can make a breakthrough. If we can, great. And if that's before this week, we're trying our best," (The Shields Gazette).

Willock last January was loaned out to Newcastle from Arsenal and was able to make a lasting impact in the squad. He scored eight goals in fourteen matches and became the youngest player to set a new record for goals scored in seven consecutive matches.

With this move, it's almost guaranteed that Willock will be a starter for Newcastle, whereas if he stayed at Arsenal, he was a fringe side piece in Arteta's plans.

Earlier this past week, Arsenal agreed to Newcastle's offer for Willock, starting at £25m with add on's included. Willock appears to be leaving as Arsenal Correspondent for Goal Charles Watts tweeted out Thursday afternoon,

"Joe Willock said his goodbyes this afternoon to team-mates and staff at London Colney before leaving to complete his move to Newcastle."

Since a schoolboy, Willock has been a part of Arsenal, rose through the academy ranks, and broke through the first-team selection. Now Willock will be starting a new chapter in his career as he looks to turn around Newcastle's poor misfortunes since climbing back into the Premier League.