Arsenal could now get a chance to sign Callum Wilson in the final hours of the transfer window as the Newcastle United striker may accept a move away from St James’ Park.
The 31-year-old has emerged as a last-gasp option for the Gunners as the Toon endeavour to avoid any FFP problems. January has been a quiet month at Arsenal and Newcastle given the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). But Wilson might still land a move.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Wilson could remain a market option for several squads right up until Thursday night’s transfer deadline. Newcastle insist the striker is not for sale but the Magpies’ FFP status will likely see the Tyneside natives agree to sell amid an important offer.
Newcastle could still sell Wilson after Arsenal were offered his transfer
Atletico Madrid have shown an interest in Wilson during the winter window but pursued the arrival of Moise Kean from Juventus instead. So, Romano believes Premier League clubs may have right up until the last hours of the market to agree to terms with Newcastle for Wilson.
But Newcastle will only entertain important offers for Wilson’s permanent transfer with loan approaches not welcome at all. The nine-cap England striker is under contract at St James’ until June 2025. He only agreed to an extension in September after three years on Tyneside.
Reports by the Evening Standard have suggested that Arsenal have been offered a chance to sign Wilson of Newcastle. But intermediaries have also informed Chelsea and Manchester United of the striker’s availability for an £18m transfer. The Toon are desperate to raise cash.
Wilson has scored eight goals and laid on an assist so far this season after 20 appearances in all competitions. But the Coventry native has missed the Magpies’ last five games due to a calf injury. Newcastle expect the striker will return soon, but it is his third lay-off this season.
Wilson could be a great fit for Arteta… as long as he’s not Kallstrom 2.0
If Wilson were to switch to Emirates Stadium and remain fit, he might be a great addition for Arsenal’s attack. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe lauded the forward in May 2023 for his ability to lead their frontline. Howe also particularly likes Wilson’s pressing and tactical intelligence.
“He’s been incredible,” Howe told Sky Sports following the forward scoring and assisting in a 4-1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion. “I feel that his performance was right up there with one of the best I’ve seen him play, purely from a tactical perspective.
“He has to lead the press and [he is] the one we bounce off initially. He kept going right until the end and his goalscoring record is excellent. I’m delighted for him. He’s a huge player for us and a big presence in the dressing room.”
But while Wilson can add a proven goalscorer to Mikel Arteta’s ranks who can lead Arsenal’s press, the Newcastle striker’s injury record may put the Gunners off a late transfer. Emirates Stadium chiefs would be loath to have another signing akin to Kim Kallstrom on their hands.
Kallstrom arrived in north London on loan from Spartak Moscow in January 2014 whilst still dealing with a back injury. The 131-cap ex-Sweden midfielder would go on to feature in just four matches for Arsene Wenger. But he scored a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout.
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