‘Tottenham ‘surprise transfer’ – O’Rourke: ‘No-one saw this one coming’
Tottenham are considering a surprise swoop to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the interest has come as a shock that “no one saw coming”, but they could tempt him to move across North London.
Hein, 22, is currently on loan at Spanish outfit Real Valladolid and has impressed during his spell despite his side’s struggles towards the bottom of La Liga.
The goalkeeper has less than a year left on his contract with the Gunners and will be free to explore options over a move abroad from January.
While Spurs won’t be able to take advantage of that situation until 2025, the goalkeeper would be able to run down his deal before moving on a free transfer.
This has led to growing interest in his signature as they search for a capable backup for Guglielmo Vicario, who remains the first-choice option under Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham target Arsenal goalkeeper in shock move
Hein will have the final say over his future at Arsenal and remains in control of his contract situation, and it is still possible that he could commit his future to the club.
However, he remains the third-choice option at the Emirates behind David Raya and on-loan Norberto Neto, which is why he was allowed to go and spend the season in Spain.
At Spurs, he is expected to jump ahead of current number two and former England international Fraser Forster as the 36-year-old’s contract is also set to expire next summer.
The Estonia international has established himself as a regular for his national team and is proving a capable asset at Valladolid, making him a target for clubs in England.
While it remains to be seen whether the goalkeeper would be prepared to leave Arsenal, where he has been since 2018, for Spurs, there is a feeling he could be tempted to make the move.
Despite having spent six years at the Emirates, Hein has made just one senior appearance for the club, and becoming Spurs’ number two could allow him to establish himself in English football.
In other news, Tottenham are stepping up their interest in a new centre-back.
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