Joe Willock ‘not looking at Arsenal’ as he aims to ‘prove’ his worth for Newcastle
The 21-year-old featured mainly in European games in the first half of the season
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England under-21 midfielder Joe Willock says he’s not concerned about his long-term future with Arsenal at this time, as he tries to showcase his talent in the Premier League on a more regular basis with Newcastle United.
Willock had only managed two starts with the Gunners in the top flight this season before joining the Magpies on loan on 1 February.
He made a good start to life at St. James’ Park with a goal in the 3-2 win over Southampton last weekend and points out that he is there to do a job and make good on his enormous promise, rather than be focused about what might happen in the summer.
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“When I decided to come here I had a sense of peace, I didn’t ever feel like it was going to be the wrong one [decision]. When I came here, everyone was so welcoming,” Willock told reporters.
“I’m trying to focus on what I have to do now, focus on Newcastle United. I’m not really looking at Arsenal at the moment.
“I’m here to prove to Newcastle United that I can play every week and affect the games and win games for them.
“I’m not really looking at Arsenal, when that time comes for me to make a decision to go back or not that will come but right now, I’m focused on Newcastle and I’m loving every minute that I’m here.”
Willock scored three times and provided three assists in the Europa League group stage for Arsenal before Christmas, where five of his 17 appearances came - and the bulk of his minutes on the pitch for the Gunners.
In league play, however, he had only managed two sub appearances totalling less than 15 minutes of action since Boxing Day, before playing the full 90 on his Newcastle debut.
The youngster has played just over 40 top-flight games all told, but faces competition from the likes of Emile Smith Rowe for a longer-term future as an Arsenal attacking midfielder.
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