Hearts forward James Wilson is set to join Tottenham on loan until the end of the season after holding talks with Arsenal over a loan move.
James Wilson leaves Hearts for Tottenham (Image: Malcolm Mackenzie/Getty Images)
Hearts striker James Wilson has reportedly given a blow to Arsenal in favor of joining Tottenham on transfer deadline day in January. The Gunners had emerged as favorites to sign the 18-year-old forward on an initial loan deal, but Spurs beat out their rivals for the youngster.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes revealed on Monday afternoon that Arsenal had been in contact with the Scottish club over the possibility of signing the teenage striker. Premier League leaders were hoping to strengthen their under-21 squad before Monday’s 7pm transfer deadline.
Wilson has made headlines this season for the Scottish Premiership leaders, scoring two goals in 10 games in all competitions. However, the youngster has had limited first-team appearances in the league, with Lawrence Shankland, Pierre Landry Cavore and Claudio Braga above him in the pecking order.
The Daily Record reported that Tottenham had won the deal from Arsenal, with Wilson heading to London to sign for Thomas Frank’s side. Spurs have agreed to pay Wilson a hefty loan fee and a possible sum to sign him permanently in the summer.
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Eagerness to pile on cash tilted in the Scotland international’s favor after Arsenal thumbed their noses at the numbers Hearts were demanding.
Regarding Wilson’s situation on Monday afternoon, McInnes told Sky Sports: “That’s up to Graham Jones, he’s the one to deal with it. I think there were discussions with Arsenal yesterday (Sunday). They called and spoke to Graham and we haven’t heard anything from Arsenal since.”
“I’ve heard about Tottenham as well, but they haven’t had any direct negotiations with us. So, who knows, it’s up to Graham Jones to deal with that. But I think it should be in the club’s interest for any player to leave.”
James Wilson joins Tottenham on loan from Hearts (Image: SNS Group)
He added: ‘Listen, he’s a young player, his minutes have been limited this season and it’s been well documented how well Lawrence and Bulaga have performed and Kabore has performed well for us as well.
“It’s difficult to break into someone’s first team at that age. Obviously James had a little more exposure last season, but he’s a good kid too. Do you think there’s an advantage to being on loan? Potentially yes.”
“He could get a loan and get some playing time. This was a bit of a left wing from Arsenal and their development squad. Like I said, these conversations with Arsenal were yesterday and we haven’t heard anything back.”
“We don’t know how it’s going to go, but if James is still here in the building when the window closes… that would be great. We’re going to work with him as we always have and try to find the best solution for him to join our team and play his role.”
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