Rio Ferdinand has urged Mikel Arteta to rectify the transfer mistake that saw Arsenal allow Joe Willock to depart on loan in January.
Willock struggled for game time under Arteta in the first half of this season, eventually joining Newcastle on the winter window’s transfer deadline day.
The 21-year-old had pushed for a loan departure in order to gain minutes in the Premier League, with Steve Bruce’s men completing a deal until the end of the season.
The midfielder has thrived at the Magpies, scoring four goals and making seven starts in central midfield, helping his temporary club to pull away from the relegation zone.
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Since moving to the North East, Willock has developed a knack for netting important late goals, scoring equalisers against Tottenham and Liverpool in recent weeks.
After impressing Bruce and pundits on Tyneside, Willock has been linked with a permanent departure from Arsenal, with the Gunners set for a squad overhaul this summer.
The Newcastle boss has already made it clear he wants to bring the England Under-21 international back to St James’ Park beyond this season.
He has more than two years to run on his current contract at Arsenal, but the Gunners could bring in a sizeable fee if they did elect to let the academy product go.
Ferdinand though believes it would be a mistake for Arsenal to let him leave and hailed the youngster’s impact at Newcastle.
“You know what, I like Joe Willock,” he told FIVE.
“He’s someone at Arsenal that I would have kept. He’s a good young player. If Arsenal don’t take him back and have him around that squad… I don’t know, man.
“I really like him and I like his personality. He’s not shy to come on the big stage and play and perform.
“‘And the last three goals he’s scored have been massive goals for Newcastle. It shows he’s got the temperament.”
