According to an update by Sky Sports, Tottenham have entered the race to sign James Wilson before the deadline tonight. Arsenal were the early runners for the teenage striker from Hearts, with Spurs now ready to offer an initial loan deal with a buy option for the one-cap Scottish international.
James Wilson has garnered plenty of attention on deadline day as he is now the subject of a battle between two north London giants. While he is not the starting striker for his club Hearts (in fact, there are four or five players ahead of him in the pecking order), the interest from Arsenal earlier in the day might have surprised many at the Scottish club.
The Gunners had planned on bringing a new striker for their academy, and while they are finding difficulties in signing top target Igor Tyjon, the idea of Wilson might have been seen as a last-ditch attempt. The Gunners had initiated discussions with Hearts over a loan deal for Wilson, with no clarity being offered on any potential buy option.
However, as things stand, Tottenham have entered the race for James Wilson, and they are ready to take him on an initial loan deal with a possible buy option as part of the agreement. It remains to be seen whether Spurs are trying to hijack Arsenal’s move for the 18-year-old Scottish wonderkid, or if the Gunners have backed away as things stand.
The wider expectations from earlier in the day stated that Arsenal are the favourite to land him and will bring the 18-year-old Scottish wonderkid to the club. However, Tottenham’s entry in the race does bring in some puzzling questions about the Gunners’ pursuit as well as how he fits in at Spurs.
Spurs have been actively looking for a new striker in the transfer market following the uncertain fitness issues with Dominic Solanke. With the striker scoring twice on Sunday against Manchester City, he is still not fully fit, as Thomas Frank might resort to having a backup if things go south later in the season.
Hence, there is a possibility Spurs might consider taking James Wilson for their first team as opposed to Arsenal needing him for their academy ranks. If that is true, then Wilson might possibly lean towards Tottenham, given the level of exposure he will have as a first-team member.
