The 18-year-old Scotland international is in talks over a departure from Hearts before the deadline.
Hearts’ teenage frontman James Wilson is in discussions over a shock transfer to English Premier League table toppers Arsenal ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.
According to a report from Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 18-year-old could be allowed to leave Tynecastle this month on an initial loan deal, with Mikel Arteta’s side said to have ‘opened discussions’ with Hearts over a deal for the player.
The Scotland international exploded onto the scene in Gorgie last season after being handed a chance to shine by former head coach Neil Critchley. After signing his first professional contract with the club in the summer of 2023, he was handed his professional debut as a 16-year-old in the Scottish Cup in January 2024 during a 2–1 away win against The Spartans.
James Wilson exploded onto the scene at Hearts last season.placeholder image
James Wilson exploded onto the scene at Hearts last season. | SNS Group
Scoring his first league goal for Hearts shortly afterwards in a thumping 4-0 victory over St Mirren, he hit the headlines when he nabbed a late equaliser in the 1-1 Edinburgh derby draw against Hibs in October 2024. He’d go on to score a further five goals in all competitions and earned a maiden call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad, making his international bow from the bench in a Nations League play-off clash against Greece at Hampden Park, becoming the youngest player to represent the national team in the process.
However, he has struggled for regular game time in the current season, playing just 77 minutes of football in the Scottish Premiership, with Derek McInnes’ side currently six points clear at the top of the table. It was claimed last week that both Wilson and club teammate Alan Forrest had been attracting loan interest in their services, though the news of the Gunners’ move for the one-cap Scotland international will come as a shock. It is not yet known if Arsenal are interested in a permanent transfer.
The North London’s giants' interest in Wilson comes in the aftermath of the emerging news that they had also entered discussions with St Mirren over a deal for 18-year-old midfielder Evan Mooney. The talented teenager made his debut as a 16-year-old and has been touted as one of the country’s most promising young talents after making 11 league appearances for the Buddies this season. However, it is understood that Arsenal are ready to launch an offer for Mooney, having tracked his progress for over a year.
Arsenal are also targeting a deal for St Mirren youngster Evan Mooney before the deadline closes.placeholder image
Arsenal are also targeting a deal for St Mirren youngster Evan Mooney before the deadline closes. | SNS Group
Read More
Initial reports indicate the midfielder could move to the Emirates for an initial fee of £265,000, with add-ons that could land St Mirren a figure of up to £800,000. The Paisley outfit is also said to have insisted on the deal including a sell-on fee for any future deal.