Arsenal have successfully managed to tie down Joe Willock to a long-term contract. The youngster has penned a new contract extension deal that will keep him at the Emirates until 2023. The details of Willock’s existing contract is unknown, but this extension could be a huge boost for the Gunners.
Willock bleeds red
Willock has been a part of the Arsenal academy since the age of four. He first earned his promotion way back in 2015 when he moved to the Under-18 side. The youngster was notably involved in 18 goals in all competition during the 2016/17 season in the English youth division.
Willock was duly rewarded for his blistering performances for the U-18 side as he got promoted to the reserve side in the summer of 2017. He continued to impress in the youth division, scoring six goals and mustering two assists last season in the Premier League 2.
That was before he was finally called up to the senior side this summer and the youngster didn’t disappoint either. Willock enjoyed an excellent pre-season, notably starring against Bayern Munich. He has already featured in three Premier League matches this season.
A replacement for Ozil
Mesut Ozil has always struggled to integrate to Unai Emery’s tactical setup at Arsenal. Additionally, the German playmaker has experienced several off-field issues within the past 12 months, which even forced him to quit playing for the national team.
The ex-Real Madrid star is yet to feature in a single game so far this campaign, and it seems like his time at Arsenal might be over pretty soon. Willock, in that regard, can be groomed into an ideal replacement for Ozil, having already impressed as a number ten in the first couple of matches.
Willock can provide dynamism in the final third while he also has the awareness and maturity – qualities that make him one of the most exciting talents at Arsenal.
One for the future
It is no doubt that Arsenal are ushering in a new era following the departure of Arsene Wenger. The likes of Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal, Petr Cech (retired), Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud have already left. The current crop of stars like Shkodran Mustafi and Ozil are unlikely to continue for the long-term either, paving the way for the youngsters to come out and prove themselves.
Willock is among the players who could help the Gunners complete their transitional phase. The 20-year-old could even become the face of Arsenal’s creative department within the coming years. But, a lot will depend on whether or not he manages to make a breakthrough in professional football this season.
