Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock is attracting interest from French Ligue 1 according to the newest reports in the media. French Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco have been impressed with the young England player and they have opened talks to sign him according to RMC Sports journalist LoicTanzi.

The new development on England midfielder Willockwould be a big blow for Newcastle United who were looking to bring him back to the club after a successful loan spell last season.

Willock was one of the best players in the Premier League over the course of the last two months of the season. He scored in each of his last seven games in the league thereby becoming just the second player to achieve the feat in a Newcastle United shirt. Former England national team player Alan Shearer was the first Newcastle United star to score in seven successive Premier League games.

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has not hidden the fact that he wants England junior international Willock back in his squad for the new season but owner Mike Ashley has not backed him with the necessary funding for the transfer. Another loan move has been reported in the media but it remains to be seen if the Gunners will sanction the loan transfer especially if French Ligue 1 giants Monaco are willing to meet their valuation for Willock.

Apart from the financial aspect, Monaco also have a big advantage over Newcastle United since they can offer Champions League football. Parent club Arsenal are not in Europe this season but Willock can still play European football if he moves to France.

Willock has been involved in preseason at Arsenal as a possible stay with the Gunners first team is still on the cards. The midfielder has a lot of options to choose from as he nears a decision on the next step in his career.