James Wilson targeted for stunning Arsenal transfer as Hearts star lined up for double Gunners SPFL swoop
The Hearts striker is being lined up for a Premier League move alongside rising St Mirren star Evan Mooney
10:17, 02 Feb 2026Updated 10:19, 02 Feb 2026
Linlithgow’s James Wilson has signed a contract extension at Hearts until 2027(Image: SNS Group)
Arsenal are eyeing moves for two rising Premiership stars – with Hearts striker James Wilson reportedly lined up for a shock Premier League transfer.
It’s set to be a manic deadline day up and down the UK and it had been understood Wilson, who previously exploded onto the scene at Hearts but has found minutes hard to come by recently, could be heading out on loan.
And now that may be the case – but not in the way many expected.
Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal have opened talks over a stunning loan deal for Wilson which would give the Premier League leaders the chance to watch him closely within their setup before deciding on a permanent move.
Wilson has struggled to get into the Hearts team this season but he’s still just 18 and already has eight senior goals in 45 appearances – not to mention a senior Scotland cap.
Experience-wise, he’s well ahead of others in his age group and it appears Arsenal are taking close interest ahead of the deadline closing.
Wilson is under contract until 2027 so this summer represents Hearts’ last chance to sell for a significant fee. Otherwise it could come down to the dreaded compensation tribunal in 18 months’ time.
It comes after the Scottish Sun reported last night that the Gunners have moved for St Mirren starlet Evan Mooney.
St Mirren starlet Evan Mooney
They’ve held a longstanding interest in the 18-year-old and it’s claimed talks are ongoing over a move which would see Saints bank an initial £400,000, plus a further £400,000 in conditional add-ons.
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