Arsenal open talks to make James Wilson shock first signing on Deadline Day

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Evening Standard

·2 February 2026

Arsenal open talks to make James Wilson shock first signing on Deadline Day

Gunners eager to sign Hearts and Scotland teenager amid ongoing interest in Blackburn’s Igor Tyjon

Arsenal are in talks with Hearts over a loan move for teenage striker James Wilson.

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It is understood that the Scotland international would join up with the Gunners’ academy rather than the first-team squad.

Any deal would only be until the end of the season, with reports in Scotland suggesting that it will be viewed as a trial before Arsenal decide whether to pursue a permanent move in the summer.

Wilson has scored eight goals in his 21 starts for Hearts, but has played only 78 minutes in the Scottish Premiership so far this season.

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He has also not made the matchday squad in four of the last five league matches.

The 18-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season, though Hearts are believed to have the option to extend that until the summer of 2028.

Wilson earned his first senior cap for Scotland last year against Greece in the Nations League play-offs. He scored four goals in as many appearances for the Scotland Under-21s side.

Arsenal have been keen to sign a young striker. Blackburn's Igor Tyjon has been a target and the 17-year-old has refused to sign a professional deal with the Championship club.

However, the Gunners have so far been unsuccessful in their attempts to reach an agreement with Blackburn.