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Why do Arsenal want Hearts striker James Wilson?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured during a press conference

Premier League leaders Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Hearts striker James Wilson on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Wilson has scored eight times in 45 appearances for Hearts since breaking into the Scottish Premiership side last season.

Though the title race may be over for Arsenal’s rivals, the Gunners are still looking to future-proof their attack by assessing the 18-year-old.

Whilst Mikel Arteta has clearly been impressed by Wilson, many Arsenal fans are wondering why the Gunners are only looking at a loan deal for young striker.

Who is James Wilson?

James Wilson is a product of the Hearts youth academy and made his debut for the side as a 16-year-old during the 2023/24 season.

The young Scotsman eventually broke into the first team last season, and notably became Hearts’ youngest-ever goalscorer in European competition after finding the net in a UEFA Conference League game against Petrocub Hincesti in December 2024.

His form was enough to see him make his international bow last March, becoming Scotland’s youngest debutant – breaking John Lambie’s 138-year-old record in the process.

Wilson finished the season with six goals in 32 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side.

Arsenal looking to assess Wilson further with a loan move

Considering the records Wilson has already broken in his short career, you may be wondering why Hearts would be looking to loan out the striker.

However, the 18-year-old has found his game time limited under new manager Derek McInnes, making just 10 appearances this season.

With the promise Wilson showed last year still fresh in Arsenal’s mind, the Gunners are looking to take the young forward on loan until the end of the season.

Wilson is expected to play for Arsenal’s under-21s side, where the Scotsman will be assessed further before they commit to a permanent deal for the forward.

Will Arsenal make James Wilson’s move permanent?

Whether the Gunners make the move permanent is dependent on how Wilson performs for the under 21-side.

Wilson’s contract at Tynecastle Park is set to expire in June 2027, meaning Arsenal could sign the Hearts forward for a cut price.

The 18-year-old’s current market price stands at just £1.2 million according to Transfermarkt, making it a low-risk investment for the Gunners should they look to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Wilson’s departure does not look as if it will affect the Scottish side very much. Hearts’ plan to break the Celtic-Rangers duopoly looks ahead of schedule, with the Jam Tarts looking comfortable at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

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