Just In: Fabrizio Romano confirms winner in Arsenal and Spurs transfer race

Spurs and Arsenal had both been credited with Deadline Day interest for the Hearts youngster.

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Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Arsenal in the transfer race for Hearts hotshot James Wilson in a Deadline Day coup, with the player set to initially join the under-21 side.

The bitter North London rivals were known to be competing for the transfer but, where the Gunners hijacked a Spurs move for Eberechi Eze in the summer, but it is Thomas Frank’s side that has won this time around.

In a fresh update this evening, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: “James Wilson to Tottenham, here we go! Deal in place for Scottish 18 year old striker to join #THFC project. Arsenal were offering a trial while Spurs offer loan deal with buy option clause now agreed with Hearts. Medical happening now with formal steps next.”

Spurs set to beat Arsenal in transfer race

Hearts currently have an opening in their front line due to Lawrence Shankland being injured, but they are not considering Wilson for the slot, reportedly seeking a new forward ahead of the Scottish deadline at 11pm on Monday.

Wilson has eight goals in 45 appearances for Hearts, having broken into the first team last season. The teenager is not featured in every Hearts matchday squad in Scottish Premiership action and has had just 77 league minutes this season.

Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani continue to struggle for potency up top for Spurs and, while Wilson is not an immediate solution, he presents a potential long term solution to the striker position.

Thomas Frank on North London rivalry

The ‘here we go’ verdict is a blow for the Gunners, who are also looking to recruit young and invest in the future. Arsenal agreed a deal for Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero in December, having confirmed the signing of 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers forward Victor Ozhianvuna in October.

Speaking about the transfer on Sky Sports, former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: “I’d go to the club that is going to give me the most minutes, who tells me the right plan, what they are going to do with me and how they are going to get me better.

“They can’t tell you exactly, but if he goes to Arsenal and they say he’s going to be for the future and go on loan... but Spurs say he will be part of the first team and get minutes here and there, be really part of it, then the decision is very easily made for me.”

In other news, The bold Arsenal and Newcastle United transfer swap deal involving Everton target.