Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the German GK Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen and is said to be their primary GK target in this Summer’s transfer market.[spacer height=”30px”]
The 26 year-old player has attracted interest from top clubs like Napoli, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid after having another impressive season in Bundesliga.[spacer height=”30px”]
In order to be able to land the young german The Gunners have to trigger the 22 million release clause of the Bayern Leverkusen shot-stopper . Leno who has spent his last seven years with Die Werkself, is rated very highly in Germany and has also put in some excellent performances recently for the National Team.[spacer height=”30px”]
According to our London source we understand Arsenal are very close to agreeing to activate Goalkeeper’s Bernd Leno’s release clause. #AFC
— Football Cvlture (@FootballCVLTURE) June 8, 2018
He was loaned to them by his former club Vfb Stuttgart in 2011 when he extended his contract with the latter club till 2014. With Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina expected to leave this summer, the new Gunners Boss Unai Emery is interested in buying 26 year old according to the report and sees Bernd Leno as the long-time replacement to Petr Cech.[spacer height=”30px”]
Here are some of Bernd Leno’s top saves. Do you think he would be a good addition to the squad? pic.twitter.com/qcF6PDo6u6
— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) June 7, 2018
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Bernd Leno has kept 12 clean sheets in 39 appearances in the last season and also was short-listed in the 27-man provisional squad of the German National Team for the upcoming World Cup. Although he did not make to Joachim Low’s final 23 with the likes of Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen ahead of him.[spacer height=”30px”]
According to previous reports, Bayer Leverkusen are ready to let him leave and told him so but only if the terms are correct for them according to Rudi Voller, the Sporting Director of Bayer Leverkusen[spacer height=”30px”]
“Leno can leave but only on our conditions, we are in constant and open discussions with Bernd and his agent. “[spacer height=”20px”]
“Leno already had a concrete offer from Napoli in 2017, but we didn’t have an equivalent backup at the time.[spacer height=”20px”]
“He had to stay and he did really well last season, but we thought Bernd’s desire to leave would resurface.[spacer height=”20px”]
“And so with the arrival of Lukas Hradecky we have a high quality successor.”
[spacer height=”30px”]Apparently he is happy to see him leave with the signing of Lukas Hradecky from Eintracht Franfurt on a free transfer who is ready to be the first choice for Bayer Leverkusen between the sticks.[spacer height=”30px”]
Leno has won 5 caps for Germany and has won the FIFA Confederations Cup for them in 2017. The six foot three German goalkeeper is a force to be reckoned back in the Bundesliga. Despite his young age for a Goalkeeper, he shows immense maturity in his saves and also in his distribution and is known to have proper command of his own box.[spacer height=”30px”]
Why Lichtsteiner signing will prove to be good business from Arsenal despite his age
[spacer height=”30px”]The German International is also praised for his astute decision-making and excellent reflexes. With Sven Mislintat as the new Head of Recruitment for the Gunners, Arsenal are said to be driving forward with his acquisition due to his proficient knowledge of the German League and is said to be using his old contacts to land the German goalkeeper at Arsenal.[spacer height=”30px”]
If Arsenal wants to challenge for silver-ware next season, they know they have to upgrade on the players they already have at their disposal and with the Leno already on his way to becoming one of the best in the world for Bayer Leverkusen, having him on board would seem like an excellent business for the team if they at all intend to challenge for the title next season and from every aspect this seems like the perfect solution to Arsenal’s goalkeeping problems. [spacer height=”30px”]
