Arsenal have some big decisions to make on some of their fringe players this summer.
The likes of Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe are being tipped with a move away from Arsenal after a lack of minutes this season.
Karl Hein is another player at Arsenal who may want to leave in search of first-team minutes.
Hein hasn’t played for Arsenal since 2022, and he barely gets a chance on the bench either these days.
Arsenal don’t seem to have much use for Hein, but, interestingly, people within the club reportedly love the £10k-a-week goalkeeper.
Indeed, according to James Benge, speaking on Inside Arsenal, everyone at Arsenal really likes Hein as a person and as a training ground influence.
People at Arsenal love Karl Hein
Benge shared what he’s heard from people at Arsenal about Hein.
“The other one I would say is Karl Hein, get him signed up. Everyone at the club just says he’s a lovely guy and that’s what you need from a third-choice goalkeeper,” Benge said.
“If he’s willing to sign it I’d be offering him a contract. I wouldn’t say put what you want on the paper. I speak to people who just think he’s the nicest guy, a good egg, good player around the training ground, so no harm in that.”
Karl Hein the perfect third-choice
This is exactly what you want from your third-choice goalkeeper.
Let’s face it, a third-choice goalie is rarely going to be used for their ability, but their presence around the training ground and their interactions with the rest of the first-team are vitally important.
There’s a reason Pep Guardiola always credits Scott Carson when speaking about Manchester City’s success, these players are a part of the team and they do seem to play a real part in terms of keeping spirits high.
Hein may want to go elsewhere to play more football, but Arsenal would be wise to keep hold of him.