Arsenal fly to Orlando tomorrow to prepare for Sunday’s Florida Cup against Inter Milan. All indications are that Newcastle’s top summer target Joe Willock will be on that flight.
The ball is in Mikel Arteta’s court as to the midfielder’s future. For now at least, it appears that Arteta is going to take a long look at Willock before making his decision.
After the 1-0 defeat at York City on Sunday, Steve Bruce said he had a few things bubbling away in the transfer market. However, he conceded that nothing was imminent.
In addition to Willock, Newcastle are in talks to land Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on a season-long loan. He could be one of the targets Bruce mentioned on Sunday.
The Express have published some comments from the 21-year-old about his loan spells over the past two seasons. The attacking midfielder split the 2019-20 season between Charlton and Swansea in the Championship. Last season he had his first taste of the Premier League with West Brom.
Gallagher believes those loans have been very beneficial to his development. This is what the young Englishman said about those moves:
“I’ve loved every loan I’ve been on. It’s been great meeting new people, playing with different players, and under different managers. It’s all about getting different experiences.
“With Sam at West Brom, it was more about the dirty side and doing that well, whereas at Swansea it was about runs in behind and creating chances.
“Each manager has helped improve different areas of my game.
“I’ve improved as a player in the past two years, and a lot of that is down to the four managers I’ve played under. I want to push on even more now.
“I think of myself as an all-round midfielder.
“I know defensive intelligence is something I can improve on so I’ve been working on that. I’ve been told I need to get better at that so I’m focusing on it.
“I’m only 21 so I feel like I’ve gained a lot of experience already. It’s still just the start. I’m nowhere near where I want to be. I know I can go even further.”
Gallagher is destined for another loan this season. From these comments, he seems very determined to fulfill his vast potential. The England U21 international only turned 21 in February so he could be primed for a breakout season.
If he is one Bruce is targeting, let’s hope there is a breakthrough soon. Newcastle are falling behind the pack having made no additions with the season due to start in under four week’s time.
141 comments so far
Not another deJong
Jul 20, 2021 at 3:56 PM
Comment #1Gallagher will do well to avoid Bruce then.
Not another deJong
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:01 PM
Comment #2Nothing to stop the club from taking on a short(-ish) term loan similar to those a lot of other clubs have with US Investment Funds, in order to buy transfers. The squad definitely needs refreshing and not necessarily a highly paid ‘marquee’ signing.
Not another deJong
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:03 PM
Comment #3In case you missed it.
https://youtu.be/6teFTpi0fNY
Steve Wraith / Keith Patterson
Jail for Ashley
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:06 PM
Comment #4Ashley Oot!
Bruce Oot!
Sean Casey, Burnsie and all the other ITK’s who’ve made up nonsense for a year to make themselves look importan Oot!!!
Mund
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:09 PM
Comment #5Magpie Media
@MagpieMediaa
WILLOCK UPDATE
Mikel Arteta is waiting for confirmation on one more Midfield singing before he can hit the go button on the transfer to #NUFC
The deal structure still in place just depending on Arsenal and their incomings.
He is expected to travel to USA
Mister Tuff
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:10 PM
Comment #6Nobody really knows the reasons for the delay . We are just going to have to wait – again.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:15 PM
Comment #7It’s really good news to see we still have the begging bowl out, thank you to the gods that we have such generous top clubs.
*Touchforelockemoji
DubaiMicky
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:17 PM
Comment #8NUFC is like Schrodinger’s CAT, are we alive or dead? No one knows until the box is opened and the result is given.
Either that or it’s Groundhog day, altogether now “They say we’re young and we don’t know, We won’t find out until we grow, Well I don’t know if all that’s true, Cause you got me, and baby I got you”
Mag52
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:19 PM
Comment #9Sholashow.
Don’t forget Leicester defied the odds, and the corruption, a few seasons ago.
Good luck in finding something to fill the void left in your life.
Mag52
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:24 PM
Comment #10Gallagher on loan would be massive for us this season.
geordietom
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:26 PM
Comment #11https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-united-target-kristoffer-ajer-21100082
dabassman
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:38 PM
Comment #12I have said previously that we have been linked with odd players this window It seems like anybody who is completing a change of club is coming here. Every day there are our number one target going to another club. I’m not saying that we don’t need new blood but not my dead granny or the cat next door!!!
We need an attacking centre back-read Carter-Vickers 2 midfield players read Willock and Gallagher a supporting striker Armstrong? or the like.Bruce prefers players that have prem experience so I don’t buy into the Spanish French Turkey connection even though they might have flair-we have that already.
The only other thing we need to look at is if Matt Ritchie leaves if thats the case Jetro is the player waiting in the wings
Zorro
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:39 PM
Comment #13Celtic c half k ajer who was a nailed on transfer lol has signed for a bigger club for around £13m
BRENTFORD
BRUCELESS OUT
Aces-of-Eights
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:44 PM
Comment #14Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte have all been told they can leave. If only
West Lancs Geordie
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:49 PM
Comment #15Comment 13 So what does that raise £300 M, 0r maybe more. Incomings Kane ,Grealish and three others. What a level playing field the Premier League is!
lesh
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:53 PM
Comment #16When will these idiots learn that fannying on in the transfer market doesn’t work.
If Arteta takes Willock to Florida, that’s that, he’ll not be coming to NUFC this summer. Ffs, they’re exposing him to Covid, injury or dare I say it, joining some other club.
Miss our on Willock and Ashley’s sticking two fingers up at St Max and he’ll be off and heads’ll go down, closely followed by NUFC.
There’s no money but it’s said that Ashley made £5m from a club land sale. Maybe he could put that into the transfer kitty?
What a sad state of affairs.
West Lancs Geordie
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:53 PM
Comment #17Zorro, never mind Brentford they are all bigger clubs than us in the Premiership even Norwich, Brighton and Burnley. All this fake news about players we are allegedly after – Pa!. We are after nobody with any street cred under this farcical lot.
Why go for Choudhurey and Will Hughes when we have a much better player in Matty Longstaff who is never given a proper chance?
Wor B
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:55 PM
Comment #18West Lancs Geordie
If Pep wants Joelinton, Hendrick and Gayle I’ll drive them down tonight.
West Lancs Geordie
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:01 PM
Comment #19Lesh Mash will have no qualms whatsoever in selling ASM. Great business in his eyes buy for what £16.5M and sell for £66.5 M . Sadly little will go into the transfer pot and where do you find another Maxi?
Sadly same old , same old for 2021/22 season and probably beyond. The Saudis will be off having a look elsewhere where a take over will sail through.
This Club has been shafted yet again and Rafa was made aware of this . Hence accepting the Everton job. It’s high time some barsteward starting telling the truth . NUFC transparency can only be described as a thick stinking smog. One big step up from the Mushroom Syndrome.
Mag52
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:04 PM
Comment #20Zorro.
£13 million, sorry mate that exceeds this window’s budget. Ask Ashley, he’s the man controlling the purse strings.
Mund
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:06 PM
Comment #21Lesh
Arteta taking Willock to the US has nothing to do with our side.
Optimistic prime
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:09 PM
Comment #22What I wouldn’t give for a decent window.
One that has you excited for the season to come.
A bit of spine tingling anticipation for what could be.
Back to reality, who’s free or will sign for a bag of Tudor?
Bills Son Is Back
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:12 PM
Comment #23lesh
I said at the end of last season, and the one before, ASM wouldn’t be sold.
You or some other poster bet he would.
Even if Willock doesn’t come I say he’ll still be here.
Let’s see who is right.
lesh
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:13 PM
Comment #24Mund
If you mean ‘our side’ being Charmless and Ashley, has nothing to do with Willock going to the US, ask yourself would he be going if NUFC had made a serious attempt to getting him signed weeks ago.
lesh
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:20 PM
Comment #25Bills son
St Max’ll have itchy feet if Willock’s not brought in. If he’s not sold this summer or Christmas, his heart won’t be in love with NUFC but assuming he’s fit, he’ll play himself into the shop window.
Perhaps my words should’ve been along the lines of he’ll be wanting away rather than will be.
lochinvar
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:21 PM
Comment #26If Priceless Charming had negotiated that Willock was to join us he wouldnt be on a flight to the USA., he’d be at Benton.
Anyway why are Arsenal going Stateside.
Isn’t their a pandemic about?
Americans have been told not to travel to UK.
Will Arsenal quarantine for 10days when back.?
One rule for some etc etc
lesh
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:22 PM
Comment #27Bills Son Is Back
By the way, it weren’t me that offered a bet so you can look somewhere else for your holiday money.
😉
Jail for Ashley
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:25 PM
Comment #28Bill’s,
ASM won’t be so because nobody will fork out the money for him at the moment. He will be sold though just as Grealish will, Villa are already investing the cash in the like of Buendia and bidding for ESR, it won’t bankrupt them if Grealish stays though. What preparations are we making for somebody meeting ASM’s release clause. We can’t even make a deal for a hugely influential loan player that should have been a given.
lesh
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:26 PM
Comment #29lochinvar
Don’t worry about Arsenal going stateside during the pandemic. Covid’ll bypass them just like it has those who’ve gone to the Olympics.
Oh, err, hang on a sec…..
Scythe For Bruce
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:31 PM
Comment #30Not sure if anyone has already this, but it includes James Perch talking about being colour blind and how it affected him during our derby games…
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57880378
toon22
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:33 PM
Comment #31Just another 2 weeks guys
Mund
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:35 PM
Comment #32Lesh
If Arteta wants to keep Willock until he brings in replacements then there’s nothing we can do about it.
dabassman
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:36 PM
Comment #33Regarding Willock
Arteta has stated over and over again he wants a decent look at Willock What he is saying for those who like to blame ashley bruce etc for everything is Back off until i have decided if I’m going to keep him. He is arsenals player now I have it on good authority that if he gets the midfielder he wants Willock is ours Loan to buy So just wait.
Mund
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:36 PM
Comment #34The deal is done. Arsenal just need to release him.
TheTinman
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:38 PM
Comment #35Sean Casey
@caseysean51
Charnlet set to finalise the Willock bid as soon as his perm is finished. Expect to hear it in the media tomorrow (the bid not the perm) #nufc
The Prince's Mate
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:39 PM
Comment #36No disrespect to newly promoted Brentford but its a sad sign of the times when a player prefers them to us…
dabassman
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:40 PM
Comment #37@princes Mate
we were never interested in Ajer its a journo story
Mund
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:43 PM
Comment #38There is plenty to bring up to shit on the regime and Ashley but using complete nonsense just doesn’t wash with me.
Arteta is holding the deal back it’s got nowt to do with Ashley, Charnley or Bruce
TheTinman
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:45 PM
Comment #39Magpie Media
@MagpieMediaa
Your love keeps on lifting me Ajer and Ajer. The big Norwegian spotted in Tyneside buying a Greggs. Pastie filling to follow… #nufc
toon22
Jul 20, 2021 at 5:46 PM
Comment #40Mund
You know this how ?
Mind reading?
Ouigia board ?
Give over with the cobblers