The Premier League leaders contacted Tynecastle bosses over the weekend to express an interest in the 18-year-old striker
12:57, 02 Feb 2026
James Wilson arrives
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James Wilson
Hearts will demand a whopping fee to green light James Wilson’s proposed short term switch to Arsenal.
Record Sport understands the Premier League leaders contacted Tynecastle top brass over the weekend to express interest in taking the 18-year-old striker into their development squad until the end of the season.
It’s believed Arsenal want to monitor Wilson at close quarters by giving him regular game time in their under 21 team before deciding on whether or not to weigh in with a permanent offer.
But Hearts will only agree to a deal if the Londoners agree on a transfer fee upfront and have spent the last 24 hours waiting to discover if Arsenal would be willing to meet those demands.
Boss Derek McInnes would prefer for Wilson to stay put at Tynecastle and fight for a first team place as the Jambos push for a historic title success.
But the youngster has spent most of the campaign watching on from the bench with McInnes preferring more experienced options to lead his attack.
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Derek McInnes celebrates
Sources close to the player believe he is keen on making the move but the talks will remain on hold until Arsenal are prepared to build a significant fixed fee into their proposal.
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