Rangers Join The Race For This Arsenal Goalkeeper: Why They Should Rope Him In | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from German journalist Dominik Schneider (as cited by The Daily Record, quoting insidefutbol) is believed to be true, Rangers are weighing up a summer move for Karl Hein to bolster themselves between the sticks. But they are not alone in the race, with Spanish giants Sevilla also in the mix for the Arsenal custodian.

The 23-year-old Estonia international spent his youth years at JK Loo and Nõmme United back in his homeland and also made five senior appearances for the latter before joining Arsenal’s esteemed academy ranks. The Gunners sent him on loan to Reading for the second half of the 2021-22 season, and handed him his senior debut in November 2022 against Brighton & Hove Albion.

But the EFL Cup third round tie ended in a nightmare for the youngster. The Seagulls clinched a 3-1 win, thus eliminating Arsenal from the competition. He spent the 2023-24 campaign as the third choice behind David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, but was loaned out to Real Valladolid last summer for regular game time.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 31: Goalkeeper Karl Hein #31 of Arsenal makes a save during the match against Liverpool FC at Lincoln Financial Field on July 31, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Liverpool won the match 2-1. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Despite featuring week in and week out in Spain, Hein conceded 68 times in 31 league games, as Blanquivioletas finished rock-bottom in the La Liga standings. He does not have a future in North London as the understudy to Raya upon Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival from Chelsea as the new ‘number 2’, and with less than 12 months left in his Emirates contract, Mikel Arteta should sanction a cut-price exit over losing him for nothing in 2026.

Why Rangers Should Snap Him Up Despite Having Butland And Kelly

Rangers have two senior goalkeepers in Jack Butland and Liam Kelly, who complemented each other throughout the previous campaign. Kelly replaced Butland for a while under Barry Ferguson, but the veteran Englishman has reclaimed his ‘number 1’ status under Russell Martin.

Although the 32-year-old has started the season strongly, the Gers boss previously hinted towards adding another shot-stopper in this window. A move for Carl Rushworth did not materialise. Also, the talks have since cooled down after last month’s reports of their interest in Sheffield Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles. However, they are exploring the market opportunity to bring in a younger alternative, and Hein, regardless of a disappointing 2024-25 season, would benefit from the transfer.

Butland has profound experience in the last line of defence. But he is prone to errors, which drew criticism over the years. Kelly has not done enough to grab a starting role, and the Arsenal prospect could eventually become a Rangers regular, replacing the former Three Lions international.