Hearts forward James Wilson is set to join Tottenham on loan until the end of the season after the 18-year-old held talks with Arsenal over a deadline day move
James Wilson of Hearts
James Wilson is leaving Hearts for Tottenham(Image: Malcolm Mackenzie/Getty Images)
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Hearts striker James Wilson has reportedly snubbed Arsenal in favour of joining Tottenham on January transfer deadline day. The Gunners had emerged as favourites to sign the 18-year-old forward on an initial loan deal, but Spurs have beaten their rivals to the youngster.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes revealed on Monday afternoon that Arsenal had been in touch with the Scottish club over a potential swoop for the teenage striker. The Premier League leaders wanted to bolster their under-21s squad before Monday's 7pm transfer deadline.
Wilson has caught the eye by netting twice in 10 outings across all competitions this campaign for the Scottish Premiership leaders. However, the youngster has found first-team opportunities limited in the league, with Lawrence Shankland, Pierre Landry Kabore and Claudio Braga ahead of him in the pecking order.
The Daily Record reports that Tottenham have beaten Arsenal to the signing, with Wilson travelling down to London to sign for Thomas Frank's side. Spurs have agreed to pay a significant loan fee for Wilson, as well as agreeing a potential fee to sign him permanently in the summer.
That willingness to stump up cash tilted things in their favour for the Scotland international after Arsenal turned their noses up at the numbers being demanded by Hearts.
Speaking on Monday afternoon about Wilson's situation, McInnes told Sky Sports: "I'll leave that to Graeme Jones, he is the one that deals with it. I think there was conversations with Arsenal yesterday (Sunday), they call and spoke to Graeme, but there has been nothing since from Arsenal.
"I heard about Tottenham as well but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly, so who knows with that, it's up to Graeme Jones to deal with. But I think any player going out will have to have benefit to the club."
Hearts hit-kid James Wilson signs new contract after breakthrough revelation
James Wilson is joining Tottenham on loan from Hearts(Image: SNS Group)
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He added: "Listen, he is a young player, he has been restricted with minutes this season, it has been well documented how well Lawrence and Braga has done and Kabore has done well for us as well.
"It's tough to get into someone's first-team at that age, obviously James got a bit more exposure last season but he is a good kid as well. Would we see the benefit of a loan? Potentially, yes.
"He could get a loan and get some minutes. This one was a little bit left-field from Arsenal and their development squad. Like I say, these conversations with Arsenal were yesterday but we have heard nothing back.
"I don't know where that will go but if James is still here in the building when the window shuts... great and we work with him as we have done and try and find the best solution for him to get in our team and play his part."
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