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Karl Hein could leave Arsenal this summer due to the impending signing of new backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to the Athletic.
The move to sign Kepa is almost done, with the Spaniard expected to be at London Colney this week to finalise his switch from west London to north. With the Gunners spending £5m to secure his services, he is guaranteed to be the new backup to David Raya.
Hein is set to return to Arsenal following a season-long loan at Real Valladolid and his future as a Gunner now appears to be under threat due to the signing of his Spanish counterpart.
Karl Hein could leave Arsenal this summer
Most would argue Hein's year spent in northwest Spain wasn't particularly successful. He gained plenty of experience, making 31 league appearances between the sticks, but conceded 68 times and kept just five clean sheets as Valladolid finished bottom of La Liga.
Of course, that wouldn't have been entirely down to Hein, who did look impressive at times, but he would've played some part in his temporary side's relegation to the Segunda Division. Such performances won't have helped his chances of becoming an established part of Arsenal's first team upon his return.
Hein has played just one game for the Gunners to date, appearing in a 3-1 loss to Brighton in the third round of the 2022/23 Carabao Cup. He conceded a penalty and Danny Welbeck's subsequent spot kick on the way to defeat.
Regardless of any poor showings, some, including myself, nominated him to be Arsenal's backup 'keeper for the upcoming season. Being an internal option, he would have saved the Gunners some money during an important transfer window, but it seems that wish won't be granted.
He has lost out on a chance to be Raya's deputy and that means his only option if he remains in north London would be to retake his spot as the third-choice shotstopper. He's too good to be third in line so his best option may be to move on.
Clubs in La Liga are reported to be interested in another loan move, but Arsenal are open to a permanent deal. The latter would be the most suitable decision as it would mean the Gunners can get a fee for a player who is highly unlikely to have any involvement next season. It's always disappointing to see a once promising player leave, but that has to be the case for Hein this summer.