Reading FC have announced the signing of 19-year old goalkeeper Karl Hein on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.

Hein is the Royals' first addition of the January transfer window and he'll arrive to deputise and provide competition for first-choice shot-stopper Luke Southwood. 

Rafael Cabral started the season as Reading's number one goalkeeper but saw his spot taken by Southwood after the Brazilian injured his hand in September.

With Rafael intent on finding regular first-team minutes and Reading looking to get his wages off their books, the 31-year old's contract was terminated by mutual consent last week and he has now joined Cruzeiro in his homeland.

Karl Hein joined Arsenal in May 2018 from Estonian third-tier side Nomme United before signing his first professional contract with the Gunners in 2019. While Hein is yet to make an offical appearance for Arsenal, he was an unused subsitute for a Europa League match against Dundalk in 2020 and played in last summer's pre-season.

Hein is considered one of the great hopes to come out his native Estonia, winning the country's Young Player of the Year award for both 2020 and 2021 while also racking up 12 full caps thus far.

“Karl is an international goalkeeper with good temperament, obvious ability and the hunger to improve and impress," Veljko Paunovic said of the new arrival. "He is a welcome addition to our squad and will increase the strength of our team for our remaining fixtures this season.”

Reading are next in action when they head to West London on Saturday to face QPR.