Joe Willock sealed his summer exit from Arsenal just a matter of days after being handed first-team assurances by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest news involving Willock?
Arsenal academy product Willock swapped north London for Tyneside as he completed a £20million move to Premier League rivals Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.
Magpies chief Steve Bruce made Willock his number one target after the midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at St James' Park during the second half of last season, scoring eight goals in 14 appearances.
During his temporary stint with Newcastle, Willock also made history by becoming the first player to find the back of the net in seven consecutive Premier League fixtures since Alan Shearer.
The 22-year-old's permanent link-up with the Magpies was confirmed despite Arsenal head coach Arteta originally insisting Willock still had a future at the Emirates Stadium and was part of his plans.
Willock made 78 first-team appearances for the Gunners, getting his name on the scoresheet 11 times in the process.
What has Paul Brown said about Willock's transfer?
Reporter Brown has alleged that Arteta and Arsenal technical director Edu told Willock completely different things ahead of his move to St James' Park last month.
While Arteta insisted Willock was still wanted at the Emirates Stadium, Edu relayed the total opposite information a matter of days later.
Arteta getting AXED?! Hear what Arsenal fans are saying on The Football Terrace...
Brown told GMS: "I was told that Willock was invited into Arteta's office over the summer and told you're a great player, we really believe in you, you could be the future of the club and I can see you in this set role doing all these different things for the club.
"Three days later, he was called into Edu's office and told he was going."
How has Willock performed this season?
While he was potent in front of goal during his initial loan spell with Newcastle last term, Willock has been unable to rediscover his goalscoring form since his big-money permanent switch.
The central midfielder has started all three of the Magpies' Premier League fixtures since being registered at the club but has failed to register a goal or assist so far.
Willock was also thrown on as a late substitute for Newcastle's League Cup second round tie with Premier League rivals Burnley last month, but he was unable to stop his new employers crashing out of the competition following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.