Football Insider exclusive as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland stares towards Arsenal manager Erling Haaland, who watches from a circular inset.

Arsenal are genuine contenders to sign Haaland.Imago

Sources: Erling Haaland's preference revealed as Arsenal and Barcelona battle for deal

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

06 Oct 2026, 10:00 am

Erling Haaland would prefer a move to Barcelona over Arsenal if Manchester City were relegated, sources have told Football Insider.

Real Madrid are also keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old's situation, and the prospect of playing for one of the two Spanish giants is understood to be "enticing" for him.

Haaland has been a "dream target" for Barcelona for several years, and they are ready to pursue a move for him if they get any "inkling" of him wanting out of City.

Sources say that the challenge of playing in La Liga would appeal to the striker at this stage of his career, after several years of tearing up the Premier League.

Haaland has surpassed 30 goals in all competitions in all four of his campaigns with the Citizens, and already has seven strikes in seven games this term.

However, his future is now firmly up in the air after Enzo Maresca's side were found guilty of 114 financial breaches by the Premier League.

Arsenal have the money to tempt Erling Haaland

In previous years, the prospect of a transfer battle with Barcelona and Real Madrid would have been a daunting proposition for a Premier League club.

However, that is no longer the case, and Arsenal remain clear that they are a genuine part of the race for Haaland's signature.

Football Insider revealed on Monday that the Gunners "definitely" have the financial power to rival the La Liga duo, after plans for some big deals in the summer fell through.

Mikel Arteta's side had fees well in excess of £100million ready to go for both Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, but were ultimately unable to tempt either player into joining.

It is understood that the money from those planned deals is still available and would be used to try and entice Haaland if the chance arose.

The Norwegian will inevitably command both a huge transfer fee and an eye-watering wage, but Arsenal know that they have the muscle to strike a deal.

Arsenal 'definitely' have the financial power to agree Erling Haaland deal

Sources: Arsenal and Real Madrid make contact with Erling Haaland after Man City bombshell

Arsenal already in contact for Haaland

Football Insider revealed at the end of September that Arsenal and Real Madrid have already made contact with Haaland's camp over a potential move.

City are appealing against the Premier League's verdict, and are likely still months away from having their potential punishment levied against them.

However, that hasn't stopped the pack of clubs chasing Haaland from beinmg proactive in their pursuits.

Both Arsenal and Real Madrid have already made enquiries, and are sure to stay in the ears of both Haaland and his agent in the coming months.

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