Newcastle are hoping their pursuit of Joe Willock can accelerate now after Arsenal tied down Emile Smith Rowe, according to reports.

Steve Bruce has made it clear for quite some time that he wants to sign Arsenal youngster Willock on a permanent deal after shining on loan at St James' Park.

And according to Afrosky Sports, Bruce is hoping that Smith Rowe signing a new long-term deal at the Emirates will now convince the Gunners to let Willock go permanently.

Smith Rowe, who has been a target for Aston Villa all summer, put pen to paper on his new Arsenal deal on Thursday afternoon and was handed the club's iconic No 10 shirt, previously worn by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Robin van Persie.

Smith Rowe shone for Arsenal in what was a turbulent 2020-21 campaign, with his fine form meaning they could ship Willock out on loan to Newcastle, and he is set to be a key player once again next term.

Smith Rowe and Wllock could well compete for the same starting spot in attacking midfield under Mikel Arteta next season.

But now after securing a new contract for their academy star, the Gunners may be more receptive about Willock leaving the club this summer.

Speaking after Newcastle's pre-season friendly defeat by York City last weekend, Bruce said: 'As I've said, it's really Arsenal's decision, and until Arsenal make a decision - a bit like all the big clubs, they have a look over pre-season - we'll keep monitoring and badgering away.

'We'd love to do something but it's still Arsenal's call.'

Following Thursday's news about Smith Rowe, Bruce may now be more hopeful of securing a deal for Willock - who is desperate for regular first-team football.

It is still unclear what Arsenal will do with Willock but they could be likely to sell for over £20million in a bid to offset their own spending this summer.