Tottenham’s surprise summer acquisition of an Arsenal player.
According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur is considering making a surprise approach for an Arsenal player next summer.
As manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to give current No. 1 Guglielmo Vicario greater depth and competition, Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly mulling a deal for Karl Hein, the goalkeeper for Arsenal at his outstanding performances, Hein, 22, who is now on loan at Real Valladolid of La Liga, has drawn interest from several clubs.
The Estonian international was first being watched by Chelsea and Tottenham, but Spurs are now the front-runners to sign Hein during the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider.
Tottenham’s desire to acquire a dependable backup goalkeeper as a possible long-term replacement for Fraser Forster, 36, whose contract is coming to an end as he approaches retirement, is highlighted by their interest in Hein.
Hein has less than a year left on his current Arsenal contract, so if no new one is negotiated, he will be free to join next summer.
Tottenham would have to wait until next summer to formally approach Hein, whereas international clubs might start pre-contract talks with him as early as January.
Because it would be the first time a player has crossed the North London barrier since Emmanuel Adebayor’s 2011 move from Arsenal to Spurs, the possible trade has generated intrigue.
Given his restricted position at Arsenal as the third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Neto, who is on loan, Hein’s predicament has stoked rumors.
Crucial playing time has been made available by his season-long loan to Valladolid, and Hein has maintained his success on his own despite Valladolid’s difficulties—the team is now ranked 19th in La Liga.
Vicario, who is still Tottenham’s first choice despite being criticized for some expensive mistakes, has had inconsistent performances, which has prompted Postecoglou to look for a new goalkeeper.
Spurs may view Hein as a valuable signing to bolster their goalkeeping options given his standing as a high prospect.
Hein may be able to stay at Arsenal longer because contract talks are still ongoing, but the longer he is uncertain about his future, the more likely it is that he will transfer across town.
