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Bernd Leno is on the verge of leaving Arsenal for Fulham but are the Gunners better off keeping him at the club?
THE LOWDOWN: FULHAM WANT LENO AND LENO WANTS FULHAM
It is no longer news that Bernd Leno is open to an Arsenal exit, amid his search for regular gametime. The German arrived at the Emirates in the summer of 2018 and quickly became the club’s first choice goalkeeper. However, the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale last summer pretty much changed it all.
Many raised eyebrows when Mikel Arteta moved to sign Ramsdale in a £30m deal from relegated Bournemouth. That decision proved to be justified as the England international seemingly fit in at the club from the onset. He made his impact known on and off the pitch and was crucial to the club’s top-four quest, which sadly ended in disappointment.
While the emergence of Ramsdale is good news for Arteta and Arsenal, it is a different story for Leno. The German was only afforded an underwhelming four Premier League starts last season, compared to 35, in the 2020/21 campaign.
With the World Cup only months away, Leno is aware he must secure regular football to hold a shot at the no 1 goalkeeper spot for Germany.
Regardless, the 30-year-old wants to remain in London and this is where Fulham come into the equation. The Cottagers are back in the Premier League and are eager to sign quality players to help them retain their status. A move for Leno makes sense but will Arsenal give in to their transfer demand?
THE LATEST: ARSENAL NAME THEIR PRICE
As per Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal value Leno at £11m and will accept no lower than this to sanction a move to Fulham. The goalkeeper has reportedly agreed personal terms with the West London side but an agreement between both clubs remains the final stumbling block.
The German has now travelled with the Gunners to their pre-season tour in the USA and it remains to be seen how Arteta will handle the situation
THE VERDICT: IT MIGHT NOT BE SO BAD TO KEEP LENO
From a financial standpoint, it might seem smart to sell Leno now, given that he has one more year left remaining on his contract and could end up leaving for free next summer. However, it would make sense to have another quality goalkeeper to call upon in a season that could be grueling, especially with Arsenal back playing European football.
Many might say Arsenal already have Leno’s replacement sorted in Matt Turner but we know how bad it can be when a gamble goes wrong in that position. Flashback to the tears in our eyes when Alex Runarrson made a goalkeeping performance to forget against Manchester City.
At the end of the day, Leno is arguably the best quality backup goalkeeper in the Premier League and if Arsenal can’t get him for their demanded price, they might be better off keeping him at the club.
