Newcastle United sign Joe Willock from Arsenal on permanent deal

Newcastle United have signed Joe Willock from Arsenal on a permanent deal for a reported fee of £25m.

The 21-year-old spent the final six months of the 2020-21 season on loan at St James' Park and thrived under Steve Bruce, banking eight goals in 14 Premier League games.

Bruce has made no secret of his desire to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis, and Gunners manager Mikel Arteta hinted that Willock was set for a departure earlier this month.

Following his move to the North East, Willock told nufc.co.uk: "I'm buzzing to be here. I loved my time here last season and I'm really happy to be back and to be a Newcastle United player.

"Leaving Arsenal is obviously a big step, and I'd like to thank everyone involved with the club for all their support over the years, but this is the right move to the right club at the right time for me.

"I only got one chance to play in front of a smaller number of Newcastle fans as a home player last season, so I can't wait to step out in front of a packed St. James' Park and experience that atmosphere."

Manager Steve Bruce added: "I'm absolutely delighted to secure our number one target. We have had to be patient and persistent, but it has been worth the wait to bring Joe back.

"I want to thank Lee Charnley in particular for the work he has put in to make the deal happen. The club have gone above and beyond to make it possible.

"Joe is a wonderful young player with all the attributes you want in a midfielder, and he certainly proved that during his time with us last season. This is a move I know our supporters really wanted us to make, and I know they will join me in giving Joe a very warm welcome back to St. James' Park."

Willock graduated from Arsenal's Hale End academy and featured 78 times for the first team in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and setting up four more.