One recent Arsenal contract decision will now mean that Mikel Arteta will have one less job to do in the transfer window.
Arsenal have a busy summer transfer window ahead of them.
The Gunners are keen to strengthen their squad in a number of key areas. Signing a midfielder to complement Declan Rice is currently the top priority for Arsenal. However, the Gunners are also looking to bolster their numbers up front and at left-back.
On top of that, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is also expected to leave Arsenal this summer. That will leave the Gunners in need of a new back up option for David Raya.
Things were set to become even more complicated in the goalkeeper department at the Emirates Stadium this summer, though, were it not for one contract announcement.
Karl Hein contract has made summer transfer window more straightforward for Arsenal
Arsenal recently officially confirmed that Karl Hein has penned a new deal with the club. The Estonian served as the Gunners’ third choice ‘keeper last season, and will likely do so again for the upcoming campaign.
Whilst third choice shot-stoppers are unlikely to ever play, it is vital that they are present in the squad. Had Hein ultimately refused a new contract, and subsequently left the Emirates Stadium as a free agent this summer, then Arsenal would likely have had to dip into the market to source a replacement for the 22-year-old.
Whilst this likely would have been an inexpensive deal, it is a distraction that the Gunners would have rather been without, and will be thankful that it is no longer a situation that need concern them.
Arsenal face goalkeeper conundrum
Whilst Hein is now set to remain at Arsenal, the Gunners are still likely to lose Ramsdale. At this stage in his career the England international needs to be playing regular football, and he won’t be happy to spend another season sat on the bench in North London.
Arsenal have a number of targets that they could consider to replace Ramsdale and offer support for Raya. Whoever Mikel Arteta decides to bring in, it is vital they they are able to slot in comfortably with the team’s tactics.
The Spanish coach demands that his side build up from the back, which requires a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet.