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Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is set to complete his move to Fulham ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.
THE LOWDOWN: DROPPED DOWN THE PECKING ORDER
Arsenal completed the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, paying a total of £30m in transfer fee last summer. Many eyebrows were raised at the fee paid, but his performances have won some of his critics over in the last few months.
In no time at all, Ramsdale has already displaced Bernd Leno as the club’s number one and became a favourite in the dressing room and among the fans as well. His superior ball-distribution skills as well as his vocal presence made sure he was in Arteta’s good books as the club’s designated goalkeeper.
Arsenal and Arteta have already moved on with Ramsdale as the number one and Matt Turner has been brought in to deputize. The German, who is keen on featuring at the World Cup in November, opted to find a new club where he would be guaranteed game time and it appears it will be happening.
THE LATEST: GREEN LIGHT
As per 90 min, Arsenal and Fulham have come to an agreement for Bernd Leno, with a deal set to cost the newly promoted side around £8m.
Leno has been the club’s goalkeeping target all summer but negotiations had initially stalled, with Arsenal demanding £11m at the time. Arsenal have now lowered their demands and are ready to accept Fulham’s cut-price for the player.
A full agreement is expected within the coming days, with Fulham hopeful of handing Leno his debut for the team in their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Saturday. The goalkeeper, who has 125 appearances for Arsenal to his name, is expected to become the team’s starting stopper ahead of Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga.
THE VERDICT: GOOD MOVE FOR ALL PARTIES
From a financial viewpoint, it makes sense to sell Leno now, given that he has one year left on his current contract. Though Arsenal were forced to accept a lower figure, it is better than letting him leave on a free transfer.
Matt Turner was one of the additions this summer and will now be the club’s backup to Ramsdale for the coming season. Mikel Arteta spoke about reducing the Arsenal squad and selling Leno is sad to see but a necessary decision for squad balance and to keep everyone happy in the grand scheme of things.
