Arsenal head-coach Mikel Arteta has seemingly hinted that Joe Willock could be on his way out of the team this month.

The 21-year-old was nowhere to be seen in the Gunners final pre-season match against Tottenham Hotspur, during which a Son Heung-min strike in the second half condemned Arsenal to a 1-0 loss.

Newcastle United head-coach Steve Bruce has confirmed that the team are “in dialogue” with the Gunners over bringing Willock back to the North East, and Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the midfielder’s absence on Sunday was not injury-related as opposed to Rob Holding.

“Two different reasons. With Rob he wasn’t fit enough to play and with Joe we will explain the reasons when we can,” Arteta said at his post-match press conference. “When I can say more I will let you know.”

Willock managed to found back of the net eight times in 14 Premier League games for Newcastle United during a six-month loan spell last season, and he is also believed to be on the radar of Ligue 1 gians Monaco.

The Englishman boasts 11 goals and four assists for the senior Gunners side, where his current contract is due to run until 2023.