Arsenal have now entered last-gasp talks to sign an "incredible" player, following a new update on their pursuit of Newcastle United mifeilder Sandro Tonali.
Gunners eyeing new signings after Mikel Merino injury blow
Earlier today, there were reports the Gunners had opened talks over a deal for Newcastle star Tonali, following the injury blow to Mikel Merino, with the versatile Spaniard set for a period on the sidelines after sustaining a foot issue in the defeat against Manchester United.
However, it has since emerged that the initial reports may have been wide of the mark, and the Magpies would be unwilling to sanction a departure in any case.
Merino has predominantly featured in central midfield this season, but he has also been given the nod further forward on occasion, providing four goals and three assists in the Premier League.
With both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus now available for selection once again, Mikel Arteta is well-stocked at centre-forward, but a striker has now emerged as a transfer target in the final hours of the window.
gabriel-jesus-arsenal
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to X to state Arsenal have now opened talks over a deal for Hearts' James Wilson, with an initial loan move on the cards.
Wilson, who is just 18-years-old, has already been capped for the Scotland national team, and the Gunners are now in club-to-club talks with Hearts, seemingly with a view to getting a deal done before the 7pm deadline tonight.
"Incredible" Wilson could be one for the future
As previously noted, Arteta is blessed with a wide array of options at striker, with both Viktor Gyokeres and Jesus proving their worth by scoring in the 4-0 victory against Leeds United last time out, so there is no need to bring in another experienced striker.
However, the Hearts ace could be one for the future, having received high praise from former manager Neil Critchley, who said: "It's an unbelievable achievement. To be the youngest Scottish international player ever is an incredible achievement. It's one him and his family should be extremely proud of.
The Edinburgh-born striker has already made 45 appearances for the Hearts senior side, which is a very encouraging sign, contributing eight goals and three assists during that time.
saka Related
[Saka's dream striker: Arsenal readying bid to sign £80m "monster"](https://www.footballfancast.com/saka-dream-striker-arsenal-readying-bid-to-sign-alvarez/ "Saka's dream striker: Arsenal readying bid to sign £80m "monster"")
The world-class striker would be a total game-changer for Arsenal and Bukayo Saka.
This season, Wilson has made just six Scottish Premiership appearances for the league leaders, appearing for a total of 77 minutes, which suggests he could be some way off pushing for a place in the Arsenal side, but he could be an exciting long-term addition to Arteta's squad.