Joe Willock has joined Premier League side Newcastle United on loan until the end of the season.

First-team opportunities have been thin on the ground at the Emirates Stadium this season and Arsenal feel that the talented youngster could benefit from some additional game-time, with the added caveat that Newcastle require a ball-carrier, something Willock excels at.

So far, Willock has been a mainstay of the Arsenal Europa League squad, registering three goals in five games this season. Despite this rather remarkable feat, the 21-year-old has failed to break into Mikel Arteta’s thoughts for the league this season given the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe and the subsequent loan-in of Martin Ødegaard.

Willock was handed his first-team debut by Arsène Wenger and was heavily trusted by Unai Emery before his subsequent dismissal. Arteta has also trusted the youngster in a number of matches, however, the current competition for places has meant that Willock has had to follow in the footsteps of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who also left Arsenal on loan until the end of the season as well.

Arsenal will be hoping that Willock picks up some valuable first-team experience and is able to improve his overall game ready for the start of next season to properly compete for a starting position.