Exclusive: Steve Howey claims Willock is not worth £20 million
Willock #Willock
In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, claims that on-loan midfielder Joe Willock is not worth £20 million.
It has been reported that the Gunners are open to the midfielder leaving permanently this summer for a price tag of £20 million, which would make him the club’s joint fourth-most expensive signing in their history, behind Joelinton, Michael Owen and Miguel Almiron.
Since the international break, Steve Bruce has changed his formation, opting for three centre backs and just two centre midfielders which has seen Willock make a goal-scoring cameo against Tottenham Hotspur, however he didn’t feature at all in their win against Burnley.
Speaking on if £20 million is too much for Joe Willock and if the midfielder has warranted that price tag based on his performances since arriving in January, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:
“No, I think that’s too much but then again, you look at how much players get bought for in this day and age and it’s absolutely ridiculous. Bang average players getting that much money spent on them.
“£20 million, not for me because he’s played about 10 games, so no.”
Willock has been impressive since arriving on-loan on deadline day. He got a goal on his debut during the 3-2 win against Southampton and his late runs into the box have made a difference to Bruce’s usually static midfield.
The £20,000 per week midfielder has come through Arsenal’s academy but was mainly being used in the Europa League under Mikel Arteta before his move to Tyneside.
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