Arsenal Set to Benefit from Joe Willock’s Potential Transfer from Newcastle
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Arsenal stands to gain financially this summer if Joe Willock secures a transfer away from Newcastle United, as they are entitled to a percentage of any fee from the sale of their former academy player.
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Newcastle is currently negotiating with Turkish club Besiktas regarding Willock’s future, having previously turned down a £10 million offer in July.
Reports from The Journal indicate that Newcastle is aiming for around £17 million for the midfielder, which would enhance Arsenal’s earnings due to a 10 percent sell-on clause agreed upon when Willock departed London.
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Willock originally joined Newcastle in August 2021 after a successful loan spell the previous season.
The reported transfer fee was £25 million, although other sources suggested the fixed amount was nearer to £20 million, with additional payments based on performance.
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For Arsenal, this sale marked one of their most fruitful academy transitions. Having come through the youth ranks since the age of four, Willock made 78 senior appearances and netted 11 goals for the club before seeking greater playing time elsewhere.
He made his first-team debut against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup in 2017 and played under both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta during his tenure.
His remarkable achievement included becoming the youngest player to start a competitive match for Arsenal since 2011 when he played against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League in 2018. However, stiff competition in midfield limited his regular starts in the Premier League.
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Willock later reflected on his departure from Arsenal, acknowledging it was a tough choice after being part of the club for so long. He remarked, “I wasn’t valued at Arsenal,” asserting that an opportunity under Steve Bruce was a key factor in his decision to move to Newcastle.
That decision paid off quickly.
After arriving on loan in February 2021, Willock’s impactful performances saw him score eight goals in 14 Premier League matches, which helped Newcastle distance themselves from relegation threats.
He notably matched Alan Shearer‘s club record by scoring in seven consecutive league matches, prompting Newcastle to permanently sign him for a fee reflective of his impressive contributions.
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Now, with Newcastle considering a sale, they are poised to capitalize on Willock’s market value. Their aim to secure a higher transfer fee not only seeks to maximize their gain but will also bring additional funds to Arsenal through the previously established sell-on clause if they meet the asking price.
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Newcastle’s valuation of Joe Willock matters to Arsenal too, thanks to a sell-on clause agreed when the midfielder left north London.
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Arsenal could receive another financial boost this summer if Joe Willock completes a move away from Newcastle United, with the Gunners entitled to a percentage of any transfer fee agreed for their former academy graduate.
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Newcastle remain in discussions with Turkish side Besiktas over the midfielder’s future after rejecting a £10 million offer in July.
According to The Journal, the Magpies are holding out for around £17 million, a figure that would also increase Arsenal’s return because the club negotiated a 10 per cent sell-on clause when Willock left north London.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images
Willock joined Newcastle on a permanent deal in August 2021 after an outstanding loan spell during the second half of the previous season.
The transfer was reported at £25 million, although contemporary reports suggested the guaranteed fee was closer to £20 million with performance-related add-ons.
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For Arsenal, it was one of the club’s most successful academy sales. Having come through Hale End after joining as a four-year-old, Willock made 78 senior appearances and scored 11 goals before departing in search of regular first-team football.
His Arsenal career included a senior debut against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup in 2017, while he also featured under both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
He became the club’s youngest player to start a competitive match since 2011 when selected against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League in 2018, but fierce competition in midfield meant he never established himself as a regular Premier League starter.
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP
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Willock later admitted leaving Arsenal was difficult after spending almost his entire life at the club.
Reflecting on the decision, he also said: “I wasn’t valued at Arsenal.” He also explained that the opportunity offered by Steve Bruce convinced him Newcastle was the right destination.
That decision paid immediate dividends.
After arriving on loan in February 2021, Willock transformed Newcastle’s season by scoring eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances, helping the club pull clear of relegation trouble.
He also equalled Alan Shearer’s club record by scoring in seven consecutive Premier League matches, performances that persuaded Newcastle to complete a permanent transfer for an amount well above his value.
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Five years later, Newcastle are prepared to cash in, but their insistence on securing a higher fee is not only designed to maximise their own return.
Any increase in the eventual transfer price would also benefit Arsenal through the sell-on clause agreed in 2021, giving the Premier League champions another welcome injection of funds if Besiktas, or another interested club, meet Newcastle’s valuation.
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