Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein as Ange Postecoglou looks to bring in more competition for Guglielmo Vicario.
Hein, 22, is currently on loan with LaLiga side Real Valladolid and has put in some solid performances, catching the attention of several clubs.
Reports last week suggested that Tottenham and Chelsea are both considering moves for the Estonian international but now Spurs have emerged as frontrunners.
That’s according to Football Insider, who claim that Tottenham are seriously considering a swoop for Hein next summer in a move that ‘no one saw coming.’
Postecoglou is keen to bring in a new back-up goalkeeper to Vicario as a long-term replacement for 36-year-old veteran Fraser Forster.
Hein has less than a year remaining on his Arsenal contract and as things stand he will be available on a free transfer next summer.
He will be eligible to open pre-contract discussions with foreign clubs in January so could seal his departure from the Emirates this winter, while Tottenham will have to wait until next summer to make their move.It does seem likely that Tottenham could look to bring in a new goalkeeper next summer, with Forster heading for retirement and Vicario’s performances not filling the fanbase with confidence.
Vicario is Spurs’ undisputed no.1 for now but he has made a few big blunders in recent months, prompting the North Londoners to look at keeper targets.
Hein is considered a top prospect and has done well individually for Real Valladolid despite the Spanish side currently languishing in 19th place in the LaLiga table.
Football Insider claim that it’s ‘still possible’ Hein could sign a new contract with Arsenal but as time goes on, the speculation surrounding his future will only increase.
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.
Tottenham ‘could be tempted’ to make a move for Hein and if they do sign him, he would become the first ex-Gunners star to join Spurs since Emmanuel Adebayor in 2011.