Arsenal goalkeeper among options targeted by Werder Bremen after losing No.1 to Bundesliga rivals

According to a report from Bild, Werder have been offered the opportunity to sign third-choice Arsenal goalkeeper Hein, with the Bundesliga side set to lose their first-choice goalkeeper Michael Zetterer to rivals Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Per the report, Hein has emerged as one of the options to replace the soon-to-depart Zetterer following his impressive loan spell in the 2024-25 season. Zetterer bid an emotional farewell to Werder Bremen fans following the club’s shock DFB-Pokal exit to Arminia Bielefeld, with his move to Frankfurt now only awaiting official confirmation. His departure leaves Werder with a goalkeeping dilemma. Currently, they only have 21-year-old Mio Backhaus on the roster. It has also been suggested that Die Werderaner could opt to sign Alexander Schwolow. The 33-year-old is a Bundesliga veteran with over 200 appearances in the German top-flight. He most recently played for Union Berlin last season, and is currently a free agent. 

Bremen are relying on the expertise of their goalkeeping coach Christian Vander in their quest to reinforce the goalkeeping position. "We are examining various profiles in the event of a transfer for Zetti. Christian Vander is intensively involved in the search for a goalkeeper," Werder's head of professional football Peter Niemeyer told Bild.

"He is currently getting an idea of our candidates. When the time comes, we will make a decision together with him." 

Hein spent the 2024-25 season on loan in La Liga with Real Valladolid and made 32 appearances in all competitions, of which 31 came in the Spanish top-flight. With Arsenal, he has just one appearance to his name. He played in the third round of the Carabao Cup against Brighton in the 2022-23 season, conceding a foul in the penalty area and the resulting penalty kick as his side lost 3-1. The Estonian international, with 39 caps to his name, was once touted among the most exciting young keepers in Europe. Indeed, the Gunners beat off stiff competition from Manchester United and Juventus to sign the-then 16-year-old from Estonian outfit Nomme United.

With Mikel Arteta relying on David Raya as the undisputed No.1 and the club signing Kepa Arrizabalaga earlier this summer, Hein could weigh up his options and decide to seek pastures new. If rumours are to be believed, Valladolid would love to have him back for the 2025-26 season, but they have been joined by Sevilla and Scottish outfit Rangers in the race.