Arsenal could afford a blockbuster move for Erling Haaland if the Manchester City striker became available, according to a fresh transfer report.
TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey claims Arsenal have the financial capacity to pursue the Norway international, although his information suggests Barcelona would be a more likely destination if Haaland eventually left the Etihad.
The claim has also been picked up in BBC Sport’s latest transfer gossip.
Arsenal linked but no Haaland contact
The most important qualification is that there is currently no suggestion of a deal being worked on.
TEAMtalk reported earlier this week that Arsenal have held no talks over Haaland and that his representatives remain focused on Manchester City.
Bailey has now said an Arsenal source indicated that the Gunners would naturally be interested if a player of Haaland’s calibre came onto the market. He also pointed to their previous pursuit of another striker as evidence that significant funds could potentially be available.
The reporter’s understanding, however, is that Haaland would prefer Spain if he eventually decided to leave England, with Barcelona described as a particularly natural destination.
Any suggestion of an imminent departure also has to be measured against Haaland’s contractual position.
City announced in January 2025 that the striker had signed a remarkable new deal running until the summer of 2034. At the time, Haaland said he was “really happy” to commit his future to the club.
The speculation has inevitably intensified following the independent commission’s findings against City over serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. City continue to dispute those findings and formally lodged their appeal on Thursday evening.
For now, Arsenal’s reported financial capacity is very different from an attempt to sign Haaland.
There has been no reported contact and no indication from City that they are preparing to sell their striker. What the latest report does show is that Europe’s biggest clubs are watching closely while City’s appeal process continues.
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