Newcastle United agree deal for Arsenal midfielder

Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign midfielder Joe Willock, The Athletic reports.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season with the Magpies, bagging eight goals from 14 appearances.

Steve Bruce has since been vocal about re-signing Willock, and the club have now agreed a deal with the Gunners.

They have finalised a fee of more than £20m for the midfielder. They still need to agree to personal terms with him.

Willock appears likely to become the Magpies' first signing of the summer.

Bruce is still keen on landing a new centre-back and defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, the fee recouped from Willock's sale should boost the Gunners' prospects of signing their desired targets.

They are keen on landing Leicester City's James Maddison. The Foxes are reluctant to sell him for less than £60m.

Maddison has given the go-ahead for the transfer. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will meet the price.

The north London giants are expected to offload several other players including Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson.