Arsenal to sell Willock to fund Odegaard transfer

Arsenal are reportedly resigned to selling Joe Willock to Newcastle to raise funds for the signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.

Martin Odegaard-Arsenal
Martin Odegaard-Arsenal

Arsenal are reportedly resigned to selling Joe Willock to Newcastle to raise funds for the signing of Martin Odegaard

The Gunners would love to keep the Norwegian who is on loan from Real Madrid beyond this term. The midfielder has reportedly told those close to him that he would like to stay in North London club beyond the current season.

Madrid value Odegaard around €40m and are reportedly open to selling if a good offer comes in. Arsenal are interested in doing business but must sell in order to raise funds for the transfer. 

According to reports, the cash strapped Gunners are ready to sell Joe Willock to fund Odegaard’s transfer. The English youngster, who is valued at £20 million, has impressed at Newcastle and is attracting interest from the Magpies.

Newcastle boss Steve Boss has made public his desire to keep the 21-year-old with reports claiming an offer to sign him on a permanent deal is being prepared.

However, Arsenal coach Mike Arteta has come out to declare that Willock is in his plans for next season.

When asked whether Willock will feature in Arsenal next season, Arteta said: “For sure because he’s got a contract, and that’s going to be here. That’s for sure.

“I am really happy that things have gone so well because of the potential that he has.

“I think it was great for him to go away and have a different experience, he has grabbed that opportunity in a really positive and remarkable way, and he will come back to us; we will have a conversation with him and plan the next years for him.

“He got the responsibility and the test of going to Newcastle to help them get where they want to.

“I spoke with the coaching staff there, and they are extremely happy because he was a key part of contributing to get the objectives that they had. That’s a real positive for him.”