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Scottish Premiership giants Rangers have entered the race to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, who is also attracting strong interest from La Liga side Sevilla.
The 23-year-old Estonian international, whose Arsenal contract runs until June 2026, is seeking regular first-team football after a productive 2024/25 loan spell at Real Valladolid. Hein made 32 league appearances for the Spanish side, keeping five clean sheets, and earned praise for his commanding presence, sharp reflexes, and distribution despite Valladolid’s relegation.
Hein joined Arsenal from Estonian club Nõmme United in 2018 and has long been considered a bright prospect. However, opportunities in North London have been limited, with only one senior appearance for the Gunners, a 2022 EFL Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
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According to German journalist Dominik Schneider, Rangers are now exploring a deal as new manager Russell Martin looks to strengthen his goalkeeping department. With Jack Butland currently first choice, Hein is viewed as a strong competitor and long-term option. After missing out on Brighton’s Carl Rushworth, Rangers are turning their focus to the Estonian stopper.
Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein
Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein (Image credit: Getty Images)
Sevilla remain a major contender. Sporting director Antonio Cordón is spearheading an overhaul of the Spanish club’s goalkeeping options as veteran Orjan Nyland nears the end of his career. Hein is seen as a future No. 1 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, and sources suggest he has responded positively to Sevilla’s project, although negotiations are ongoing.
Arsenal are open to a permanent sale or loan deal but prefer a transfer that includes a buy-back or sell-on clause. The Gunners have reportedly set a £10 million package price, £8 million guaranteed plus £2 million in add-ons to avoid losing Hein for free in the future.
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Interest has also come from Championship sides Sunderland, Portsmouth, and QPR, as well as clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, though Rangers and Sevilla lead the chase.
With 39 senior caps for Estonia, Hein is at a crucial stage of his career. His Valladolid loan highlighted his quality, including 40 saves in 11 La Liga matches during one stretch, the second-most in the division and reinforced his need for regular minutes.
The coming weeks will determine whether Rangers can move quickly to beat Sevilla to his signature, or whether the lure of Spanish football will prove decisive. Arsenal’s recent signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga further blocks Hein’s path to first-team action at the Emirates, making a summer departure increasingly likely.
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