Celtic in hunt to sign Hearts star, Derek McInnes open to deal agreement
Hearts are facing a late battle to hold onto their upcoming star, James Wilson.
Derek McInnes’ side are currently on the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title, and have been highly active in the winter transfer window.
Players such as Marc Leonard have come through the door at Tynecastle as they look to remain at the summit come the end of the season.
However, this has not stopped other sides from admiring their players, with Wilson attracting widespread interest on deadline day.
Hearts open to James Wilson loan move as Premier League sides circle
Wilson has struggled for regular game time this season at Tynecastle.
The 18-year-old striker has only made one start in the Scottish Premiership this season, with McInnes opting to stick with his main attacking force.
Now, according to The Herald on 2 February, the Jambos are open to letting the Scotland international go out on loan.
However, this has not stopped sides from pursuing a permanent deal, with Arsenal in early talks over a loan move with the intention that Wilson would move to the Gunners full-time in the summer.
Tottenham are also interested in the striker alongside Celtic. However, the Hoops are not set to make a move this transfer window.
🏴🚨 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐒𝐎𝐍 (𝟏𝟖) is the most lethal striker From Scotland right now💎
— The Stat Guy (@The_Stat_Guy_10) February 2, 2026
Arsenal have opened concrete talks to sign him
Wilson recorded a 50% conversion rate, scoring four goals from just eight shots in 24/25🥶
BALLER🏴✨
pic.twitter.com/a01PIDDYLI
Previously, Man United had been interested in Wilson, but the striker opted to stay at Hearts for first-team football.
Now, it remains to be seen if the Jambos are able to keep hold of the striker going into the final hours of the transfer window.
What has Derek McInnes said about Wilson’s potential departure?
If Hearts were to lose Wilson permanently, it would be a huge loss.
The striker still has plenty of potential and could well be the future of the Jam Tarts’ attacking force.
While he hasn’t played much this season, this would likely change going forward, especially as he develops into a star.
With Hearts set to take on St Mirren on Tuesday, McInnes was taking questions on Monday ahead of their crucial tie at The SMiSA Stadium.
One of the questions that was asked to the manager was about Wilson’s future.
Here, he admitted that Arsenal had opened talks, but things have not developed since yesterday.
🗣️ “He’s been restricted with minutes this season… Would we see a benefit of a loan? Potentially, yes.”
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 2, 2026
Hearts boss Derek McInnes on Arsenal and Tottenham’s interest in James Wilson. Watch St Mirren v Hearts tomorrow – live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/SrMVMLopfF
He told Sky Sports on 2 February: “There was a conversation with Arsenal yesterday, but there’s been nothing since from Arsenal. I’ve heard Tottenham as well, but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly.
“I think any player going out would have to be a benefit to the club. These sorts of things get left to Graeme Jones.”
“He is a young player. He’s been restricted with minutes this season. It’s well documented how well Lawrence [Shankland] and [Claudio] Braga have done. Big Kabore has come in and did well for us as well. It’s tough to get into someone’s first team at that age. James had a bit more exposure last season but he’s such a good kid, he trains well.
“Would we see the benefit of a loan? Potentially, yes, if he were to go and get some minutes, but this one is a little bit left-field. That came yesterday from Arsenal, from their development squad.
“Those conversations with Arsenal were yesterday, and we’ve heard nothing back from Arsenal today.”
“If James is still here in the building when the window shuts, great. We just work with him, as we have done, to try and find the best solution for him and hopefully get him on our team and play his part in the run-in.”