The Arsenal player fighting for a first team spot this season

Arsenal Unlikely to Use Hein or Okonkwo as Ramsdale’s Backup

It’s an intriguing, and very welcome, scrap for superiority taking place between these two, and it was made more so back in mid-September when Hein signed a new deal having been largely tipped to see out his previous deal and leave for free.

That leaves a highly rated pair of 19-year-old and a 20-year-old goalkeepers vying for the third spot in the team. Inevitably one will not make it and one will be sold.

But is there scope for both to make the jump up? When Leno does leave, backup spot in the team will be vacated. In the Arsenal ranks there is a goalkeeper trusted enough to be made a senior professional at a young age, as well as another goalkeeper, who is even younger, that is the first choice stopper for his national team.

Indeed, Hein has put in a string of impressive performances for Estonia, most recently scooping the man of the match award as he held Wales at bay in a magnificent display in his country’s World Cup qualifier.

Not only would this solution be financially rewarding, Arsenal would also aid that all-important homegrown quota as both Okonkwo and Hein class as such.

Is it realistic? It’s not out of the question, that’s for sure, and Arteta will know how difficult it is to sign a goalkeeper either content enough to play as No. 2 or committed enough to try and fight for No. 1. Especially with the Premier League form Ramsdale is in.

However, the signing of another goalkeeper feels the more likely outcome. Factor in the possibility (hope) that Arsenal will be playing European football next season as and much as these are rated, Arteta is surely going to want a more experienced backup to take those reins.

Nothing is set in stone, however, and while focus might be shifted more towards the starting lineup, this fight for No. 3 will continue to rumble on in the background in exciting fashion.