Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a shock move for Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein for the summer of 2025.
Tottenham have had a mixed 2024-25 campaign so far, losing four, drawing one and winning four of their nine Premier League games this term.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has come in for some criticism for his performances this season, with his ability to command the penalty area during set pieces a particular point of concern amongst fans.
Gabriel Magalhaes headed home Arsenal's winner in the North London derby on September 15, but manager Ange Postecoglou insisted that any perceived weakness at set pieces is the responsibility of the coaching staff rather than the players.
However, Football Insider claims that Spurs could pounce on Gunners keeper Hein, who is on loan at Spanish side Real Valladolid and has less than one year left on his contract.
Less competition at Spurs
Mikel Arteta has signed Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya as options for the first team in recent seasons, and also brought Neto in on loan from Bournemouth this past summer.
Hein was allowed to leave the club in search of playing time, and the 22-year-old has certainly impressed during his time in Spain, making 40 saves in 11 league games this term, the second most of any goalkeeper in La Liga.
If the Gunners keeper was to move to Spurs, his only competition would be Vicario and veteran Fraser Forster, whose contract is set to expire in the summer.
Whether Hein would be comfortable being second choice remains to be seen, but given the number of matches that Spurs will have to play this season considering their exploits in the Europa League and the EFL Cup, it would not be surprising if he was afforded significant playing time.
Additionally, should Vicario continue to face criticism, there is a chance that Postecoglou could make a change between the posts in the near future.
Arsenal to Spurs?
Hein would become the 16th player to have played for both Spurs and Arsenal should Tottenham's interest materialise.
Perhaps the most famous player to have crossed the divide between the two clubs is Sol Campbell, who signed for the Gunners from Spurs on a free transfer in 2001.
Campbell was a graduate from Tottenham's academy and his decision to switch allegiances is one of the most controversial transfers in the history of the Premier League.
While Hein's potential switch would not garner as much scrutiny as Campbell's did, the goalkeeper would no doubt face significant criticism from Arsenal fans. body check tags ::
