Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is reportedly on the verge of joining newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham in the ongoing transfer window. The clubs have agreed a deal in principle regarding the transfer of the German keeper, according to latest reports.
The Gunners have been in the news for all their player arrivals ahead of the 2022/23 season. However, the club are expected to make way for some departures to fuel their transfer budget if they are to sign more players as the transfer window progresses. One player who emerges to be in dire need of an exit is German goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
The North London side have been in continued contact with the recently promoted English side regarding the player’s transfer. CBS reporter Ben Jacobs reported last week that the Gunners had rejected Fulham’s offer of £7 million + £3 million in add-ons (€8m + €3.5m) for the 30-year-old, which the Cottagers deemed fair considering the fact that the player’s contract is winding up next season.
According to Jacobs, the Gunners were unwilling to accept anything below £15m (€18m). The asking price came as a surprise to both Fulham and Bernd Leno who wished that Arsenal would reduce their asking price for a player that could potentially be a third-choice goalkeeper for the team after the arrival of Matt Turner from New England Revolution.
After weeks of negotiations between the two clubs for the German shot-stopper, it now appears that the North London giants have lowered their asking price in order to offload the player. As reported by Sky Sports, Arsenal and Fulham have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Bernd Leno for £8m (€9.5m).
The German international is seeking newer pastures for more playing time. Moreover, Ben Jacobs’ report also claimed that the player and Marco Silva’s side have already verbally agreed on personal terms, with the player willing to sign a three-year-deal till 2025. The keeper and his family are keen on continuing their life in London.
Fulham have an agreement in principle with Arsenal over the signing of keeper Bernd Leno. Deal worth £8m. Once finer details are finalised, Leno will have a medical and sort personal terms. #Leno #FFC #AFC https://t.co/LatyPiHLX7
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 27, 2022
Leno arrived at the Emirates in 2018 from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of €26 million and was an instant hit. As a result, the German finished as a runner-up for the Arsenal Player of the Season award in 2019- 2020.
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The 30-year-old fell out of favour with manager Mikel Arteta and has since been replaced by fan-favourite Aaron Ramsdale who arrived at the club from Sheffield United last season for a reported fee of €29 million.
Bernd Leno will be eager to get finish business with Arsenal as soon as possible and get sustained playing time at Fulham so as to increase his chances of making it to the national team’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in December later this year. His selection for the big event might take a blow if he continues to play second fiddle at the Emirates.
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