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Arsenal have the chance to freshen up their ranks before the end of the transfer window at 7pm
Arsenal are in ‘discussions’ over a loan deal for Hearts striker James Wilson, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners are working on a temporary move for the Scottish Premiership youngster. They have until the deadline at 7pm to complete the switch.
Mikel Arteta’s side remain top of the Premier League table after 24 fixtures. They are battling it out with Manchester City and Aston Villa for the title right now. The London outfit won 4-0 away at Leeds United over the weekend.
Arsenal in talks with Hearts striker James Wilson
Reporter Romano has posted on X: “EXCL: Arsenal open discussions with Hearts FC on Scottish talent James Wilson, 18 year old striker already capped for the National Team. Initial loan deal being discussed club to club.”
Wilson, 18, has been on the books of Hearts for his whole career to date. He has risen up through the academy of the Edinburgh club and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. The Scotland international, who has one cap to his name, penned his first professional contract back in 2023.
The teenager made his first-team debut at the age of just 16 in the Scottish Cup against The Spartans. He has since made 45 appearances in all competitions and has scored eight goals, six of which came last season. The prospect is highly-rated by the Jam Tarts and has a bright future ahead of him.
However, he has found it hard to get minutes in this campaign. He has played only six times in the league this term. Derek McInnes’ side are ahead of Celtic and Rangers in the league after their eye-catching form.
What now for Arsenal target James Wilson?
Wilson is likely to link up with Arsenal’s development side if he joined them. It would be a surprise if he was brought in for their senior team. A loan agreement would give them the opportunity to monitor his development and assess whether to pursue him permanently down the line.
Wilson said last year: "Everyone says that I'm a tap-in merchant! Look, they're the goals as a striker you love to score. You can get so many goals a season just from being in that position. So I'm going to try and put myself in that position where if it drops, I'm getting a tap-in. It's working at the moment. You always want to start well and gain confidence from that. I'm definitely happy to start this season with some goals."
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