Charlton Athletic in talks to sign 30-cap international from Arsenal | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic are working on a move for Arsenal and Estonia goalkeeper Karl Hein.

Charlton Athletic are interested in signing Karl Hein on loan from Arsenal, as they continue their search for a new goalkeeper ahead of next season.

The Addicks are working on a temporary move for the towering Estonian stopper, according to South London Press journalist Richard Cawley.

The Addicks have been in the market for another goalkeeper since they signed Will Mannion on a free transfer from Cambridge United in June, with that search accelerating following Harry Isted's departure to divisional rivals Burtob Albion, and it now appears as though Hein could be their man.

Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had been in negotiations with the League One club after he left Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season, but that deal will now not be happening after financial terms could not be agreed.

Hein, who signed for Arsenal from his hometown club Nomme United in 2018, could be set for his second loan move away from The Emirates Stadium, after he had a temporary spell in the Championship with Reading in 2022.

Charlton Athletic interested in striking deal for Arsenal man Karl Hein

Hein signed a new contract with the Gunners in June, suggesting that they see him as a player who could have a long-term future in North London.

The 22-year-old - who stands at 6ft 4in - made his only senior appearance for Arsenal in an EFL Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, and will be hoping that a successful loan next season can give him the platform to push on and make more appearances for the club in years to come.

Charlton could be the ideal destination for the shot-stopper, as several Arsenal players have gained experience at The Valley before seeing their careers kick on, including Francis Coquelin, Alex Song and Stephy Mavididi.

Emmanuel Frimpong, Yaya Sanogo and Krystian Bielik are just a few other players who have been sent on loan to Charlton by Arsenal over the years too, showing that there has been a decent relationship forged over the years.

Nathan Jones previously stated that he would not sign a player on loan this summer unless they were "head and shoulders" above who he already had in the building.

Now that the 51-year-old seems keen on bringing Hein in on loan, it suggests that the Estonian international could greatly improve Charlton's options between the sticks.

There is no doubt that Charlon needed another goalkeeper before the end of the summer transfer window, and if a deal for Hein can be completed, Jones will surely be happy with the players he has available to him in that department.

It was no surprise when it became clear that Jones wanted to shake up Charlton's goalkeeping department this summer.

Last season, the Addicks only managed to keep five clean sheets in 46 League One games, with Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Harry Isted sharing responsibility in goal over the course of the campaign.

Isted has signed for fellow League One side Burton Albion this summer, while Maynard-Brewer is likely to have been pushed down the pecking order by the signing of Mannion and the potential arrival of Hein.

If Charlton are going to build on last season's disappointing 16th place finish in the third tier, they must improve their defensive record, and with the club working on a deal to sign Hein from Arsenal, Jones will hope that can help his side be more resolute at the back during the upcoming campaign.

And there's an argument to be had that Hein - who will only improve with matchday experience - is a better option than a Begovic who, despite having plenty of top flight experience under his belt, is at the end of his career now at the age of 37.

The Bosnian still did well for QPR last season, but taking a chance on a stopper with high potential, and who they could move for permanently next summer if they win promotion to the second tier of English football, is probably the smarter play.