Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, currently on loan at Real Valladolid.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing 22-year-old Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein, who is currently on loan at Real Valladolid from Arsenal.
Arsenal would be willing to sell the player for a fee of around €15-20 million, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea or Tottenham can win the race for his signature.
Robert Sanchez has been quite underwhelming for Chelsea. The Spaniard recently came in for criticism for his shoddy showing against Liverpool, and the Blues need alternatives. Hein could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for the Blues, and he could compete with the Spanish goalkeeper.
The 22-year-old will be attracted to the idea of playing for Chelsea, and a playing in the Premier League would be the ideal step up for him. He has shown his quality during his loan spell with La Liga club Real Valladolid, and he is good enough to play in the Premier League as well.
Arsenal have set a reasonable asking price for the 22-year-old prospect, and Chelsea should be able to afford him easily. Meanwhile, Tottenham are keeping tabs on his situation as well, and they are probably looking at him as an alternative to Guglielmo Vicario.
The Italian international has done quite well for Tottenham since joining the club, and Spurs are probably looking at Hein as a reliable understudy. However, recent reports have also linked the Tottenham no. 1 with a return to Serie A.
Karl Hein must join a club where he will play
The 22-year-old will look to play more often at this stage of his career, and being a backup option might not be appealing for him. He is likely to seek game-time assurances before making a move. He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career. A move to Chelsea could be better suited for him.
Both clubs have the financial muscle to meet the demands of Arsenal, and it remains to be seen where the player ends up. It is clear that Hein is unlikely to get regular opportunities at Arsenal anytime soon. So, leaving the North London club would be ideal for his development. It remains to be seen whether he can sort out his long-term future and focus on his football once again.