Newcastle United target Joe Willock 'wants regular first team football', according to Arsenal correspondent Chris Wheatley.

The lowdown

Newcastle are 'confident' of striking a season-long loan deal for Willock, who spent the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign on Tyneside.

Willock thrived for the Magpies, scoring in their final seven Premier League matches to equal a record set by Alan Shearer (via BBC Sport).

After the Englishman scored on his debut against Southampton in February, Shearer himself dubbed him 'magnificent'.

Arsenal want to sign two central midfielders this summer, with the first set to be Anderlecht's Albert Sambi Lokonga (via The Athletic). As a result, Willock's path into the team may narrow further.

He earns a modest £20,000 per week at The Emirates, having signed his last contract extension in 2019.

The latest

Wheatley reports that Willock is 'certainly keen' on a return to St James' Park if it 'benefits his development'.

The 21-year-old apparently 'really enjoyed' his recent stint with the Magpies and 'particularly liked' living near Northumberland's beaches.

He shared on Twitter: "Willock wants regular first team football and is assessing his options of the new campaign."

The verdict

This move simply makes infinite sense. Despite his scintillating form at Newcastle, Willock's prospects at Arsenal are limited.

The Gunners' failure to qualify for the Europa League or Europa Conference League has taken away starting opportunities that existed for fringe players last season.

You'd now expect them to predominantly line-up with Thomas Partey, Emile Smith-Rowe and one of their new signings in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Willock has already proven he is a perfect fit for Steve Bruce's side, and his value would only increase if he continued to flourish on another loan, helping the Gunners as well.

In other news, this defender has been tipped to leave Newcastle.