Arsenal are reportedly set to add another young goalkeeper to their ranks.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are nearing the first deal of the post-Arsene Wenger era as they close in on a deal for teenage goalkeeper Karl Jabob Hein.
The Gunners have landed Unai Emery as their new manager this week, and they now look set to add a talented youngster to their youth ranks as they plan for the future at the Emirates Stadium.
Estonian shot-stopper Hein has been on trial with Brighton and Hove Albion, Manchester United and Southampton in recent times, but Arsenal appear set to swoop in and secure his signature after former Gunners goalkeeper and fellow Estonian Mart Poom recommended a move to the Gunners.
The 16-year-old goalkeeper will arrive from Nomme United in Estonia, and his transfer may just spell the end for Arsenal shot-stopper Arthur Okonkwo amid recent speculation over his future.
The report notes that RB Leipzig and Celtic are both interested in signing Okonkwo, and Hein’s arrival may mean that he doesn’t sign a new contract to stay with the Gunners this summer.
Okonkwo, 16, is an England Under-17 international who has been tipped for a bright future, but with his contract up this summer, clubs outside of England can snap him up for minimal compensation.
The deal for Hein suggests that Arsenal are preparing to lose Okonkwo, and may just give Celtic a shot at landing the teenager in a bargain deal as Brendan Rodgers looks to re-think his goalkeeping options.
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