Arsenal
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Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein is poised to leave the club this summer, with Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in a £5 million deal, according to The Athletic’s James McNicholas.
The 23-year-old Estonian international, who impressed during a loan spell at Real Valladolid last season, faces an increasingly uncertain future in North London as Mikel Arteta reshapes his goalkeeping department ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Hein, an Arsenal academy product since joining from Nõmme United in 2018, has found first-team opportunities limited. His only senior appearance for the Gunners came in a 3–1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in 2022. Despite signing a new contract last summer, the emergence of David Raya as Arteta’s clear No. 1 and the imminent arrival of Kepa have pushed Hein further down the pecking order.
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According to McNicholas in The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet, Kepa is “expected at London Colney this week to complete formalities of [a] £5m move,” while “Hein [is] wanted in Spain,” following his standout season in La Liga.
Karl Hein - Arsenal
Karl Hein spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid (Image credit: Getty Images)
Kepa’s arrival brings valuable experience to the Arsenal squad, with the Spaniard having featured extensively for Chelsea and on loan at Real Madrid. His signing underlines Arsenal’s intent to add seasoned depth ahead of a demanding season, but it likely signals the end of Hein’s time at the Emirates. The club is reportedly open to both loan and permanent offers for the Estonian shot-stopper.
During his 2024/25 campaign at Real Valladolid, Hein made 31 league appearances and kept five clean sheets. Despite the team’s relegation, he stood out statistically, ranking second in La Liga for both saves per 90 minutes (3.6) and total saves (40). His performances attracted interest from multiple Spanish clubs, and a return to La Liga now appears likely.
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Hein’s departure would make way for 18-year-old Tommy Setford to step up as Arsenal’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Raya and Kepa. Setford, who joined from Ajax, is highly rated within the club’s youth setup.
Kepa’s signing follows Arsenal’s £51 million capture of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as sporting director Andrea Berta oversees a busy summer of recruitment. The Gunners continue to be linked with high-profile targets including Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, in a bid to mount a serious title challenge next season.
For Hein, a move away from Arsenal could offer the regular first-team football he needs to continue his development. Whether through a loan or a permanent transfer, his next destination could be a vital step toward establishing himself as a top-level goalkeeper.
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