EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal keeper Karl Hein agrees personal terms with Charlton

Steve Kay

Updated: 6 Aug 2024 16:22 BST
3 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein has agreed personal terms with Charlton Athletic.

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We can confirm that the Gunners are in advanced talks with the League One side over a loan deal for third-choice goalkeeper Hein.

The Estonia international has assented to a move to Charlton and settled on contract terms with the Addicks.

The 22-year-old recently extended his Arsenal contract, with the north London outfit managing to convince the talented youngster to remain at the Emirates despite significant interest in his services from elsewhere.

However, Hein has little chance of seeing regular game time under Mikel Arteta this season, so the Gunners have made the decision to loan him out.

Barnsley have also been trying to sign the shot-stopper, but we hear that he is set to join Charlton.

Arsenal's goalkeeping situation

Arsenal's decision to loan out Hein is an interesting one as there is still a chance to see Aaron Ramsdale leave the club before the end of the window.

Nothing concrete has so far materialised on that front, but Southampton have been persistently linked with the England international in recent days.

Ramsdale lost his place to Brentford loanee David Raya last season and the Spaniard's move has been made permanent this summer.

The 26-year-old is keen on being first-choice again and is considering his options. A departure of his and of Hein would leave Arsenal with just one senior goalkeeper.

The Gunners were credited with an interest in Las Palmas man Alvaro Valles earlier in the summer. More recently, Arsenal have taken a liking to Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia, with FootballTransfers reporting that he is the top target to replace Ramsdale should he leave.

It remains to be seen whether Arteta will sanction the departure of his former number one, though reports have suggested that Arsenal will not stand in his way if he explicitly expresses his desire to depart.

This is Arsenal's stance on most exits this summer. For example, Arteta was keen to keep Emile Smith Rowe at the club but accepted his wish for regular minutes. He has joined Fulham in a club-record deal.