Rio Ferdinand has heavily criticised Arsenal’s impending decision to sell Joe Willock to Newcastle United.
In what proved to be one of the saving graces of Newcastle’s campaign last season, the Magpies signed Willock on loan with the 21-year-old going on to produce some really strong performances for the North East club. Upon returning to the Emirates there were plenty of questions surrounding his future and now, it appears as if we’re not too far away from seeing him make a permanent switch to St James’ Park for a transfer believed to be in the region of £20 million.
Will Joe Willock thrive with Newcastle?
During a recent episode of his Vibe With FIVE show, Rio Ferdinand explained why he felt as if the move was a mistake on Arsenal’s part.
“I don’t know how Arsenal have let Joe Willock go,” he said. “The guy scores goals from midfield man. I really like him.
“I don’t understand that. Newcastle have done unbelievable well to get him by the way, I think he’s a really good talent.
“He scores goals, he expects to score, he’s a good mover, makes good runs.”
“With Arsenal, I know they’re building and Arteta is trying to build something and he’s setting the foundations there, but they’re in no man’s land.
“They’re not a threat to anybody. You don’t consider them a real threat at all and it’s not just the Arsenal that I played against with Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Martin Keown, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole.
“It’s just a very different time now for Arsenal. It’s sad to see because I really like Arsenal.”
Arsenal will likely continue their Premier League journey without Willock when the new season commences on Friday as they prepare to take on newcomers Brentford.
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