Karl Hein had made an encouraging start to his loan spell at Reading before an injury stopped him in his tracks.
The goalkeeper ended up making just five appearances in the Championship but he showed enough quality during that time to indicate that he is able to cope in senior football.
After a spell on the sidelines Hein is now closing in on a return and this week he was back in training with the Arsenal first-team squad.
Frustratingly for Hein there won’t be any opportunities for him to play again this season, but he will be fully focused on being completely sharp for when pre-season gets underway.
The battle between Hein and Arthur Okonkwo has been a long-running and intriguing one, but next season both players would surely be best served by going out on loan.
In addition to his spell at Reading, Hein also has senior experience on the international stage having earned 12 caps for Estonia.
Another loan spell to a Championship side could be on the cards next season and if such a move transpires then the 20-year-old will be looking to catch the eye again with his impressive reflexes.
Hein’s long-term aim is to get into the first-team squad at Arsenal and challenge Aaron Ramsdale to be the club’s number one goalkeeper, but a loan could be hugely beneficial for his development.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Anyone who has watched him regularly, how is his distribution?