Arsenal open talks over Deadline Day striker signing - Romano

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 2 Feb 2026 11:03 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Arsenal have opened talks with Hearts over a surprise loan deal for wonderkid striker James Wilson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 18-year-old has made 10 first-team appearances for Hearts so far this season, scoring two goals in the Scottish League Cup, and he made his senior debut for Scotland against Greece in March.

Current ETV

James Wilson

F (C)

Hearts

James Wilson

F (C)

Hearts

€2.4M

ETV Range

€2M - €2.9M

View full profile

However, Wilson has only been included in Hearts’ matchday squad in four of their last 17 Scottish Premiership fixtures, and Arsenal are eyeing a shock loan deal for the teenager.

That is according to football transfer news expert Romano, who 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 has just 18 months remaining on his current contract at Hearts, although the club are believed to have an option to extend his deal by a further year if they wish.

Arsenal’s interest in the young forward comes after their failure to finalise a winter deal for Blackburn Rovers teenager Igor Tyjon, who was heavily linked with a mid-season move to the Emirates Stadium after rejecting a contract proposal from Valerien Ismael’s side.

Arsenal are also in negotiations over a deal for St Mirren striker Evan Mooney, as per The Scottish Sun.

Talks between the two clubs are reportedly at an advanced stage, with Arsenal potentially set to pay an initial fee of €462,000 for the 18-year-old forward.

Sandro Tonali to Arsenal?

Meanwhile, reports speculating that Arsenal are in talks over a blockbuster deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali have been categorically denied by multiple reports.

The Gunners have been tipped to pursue a potential midfield signing following a serious foot injury suffered by Mikel Merino against Manchester United and the decision to send Ethan Nwaneri on loan to Olympique Marseille for the remainder of the season.

However, Tonali will not be joining Arsenal before the end of Transfer Deadline Day as Newcastle have no intention of sanctioning a winter sale and talks haven’t taken place.

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