NEWCASTLE are closing in on a £22million deal for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock.
The England Under-21 international midfielder was missing from the Gunners’ final pre-season game against Spurs on Sunday despite training with the squad on Saturday.
And manager Mikel Arteta refused to explain his absence, stating: “We will tell you the reasons why Joe wasn’t in the squad when we can. When we can say more, I will let you know.”
Willock, 21, had a successful five-month loan spell at Newcastle last season and manager Steve Bruce is desperate to secure a permanent transfer.
And he is cautiously confident of sealing a deal before Sunday’s Premier League opener against West Ham as Arsenal look to bring in some cash.
Arteta was just as coy on his continuing pursuit of a new goalkeeper and said: “Again, I don’t know what will happen.
“We are training with the players we have. We have come so far but there is a window that is still open.”
At least Arteta was able to welcome Bukayo Saka back for his first game since missing the decisive penalty in last month’s European Championship final defeat by Italy.
The 19-year-old winger was applauded onto the field by the Spurs fans when he came on as a second-half sub.
There was even a large banner at the players’ tunnel declaring: “North London stands with Bukayo Saka and all players against racism and discrimination.”
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Son Heung-min scored the only goal of the game, filling to boots of training rebel Harry Kane.
Arsenal ended pre-season without a win with less than a week to go until their Premier League opener against Brentford on August 13.
Arteta’s men failed to beat Scottish duo Hibernian and Rangers, as well as losing to London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham.
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
