When Arsenal signed Aaron Ramsdale, it was clear that Bernd Leno’s game time would get heavily affected. As manager Mikel Arteta prefers the English goalkeeper in the Premier League as well as in important matches, the German wants an exit from the Emirates. According to reports, Leno wants to leave Arsenal this month itself, with Newcastle United interested in signing him.
Arsenal are busy trimming down their squad this month. Maitland-Niles is off to Roma on loan, then Balogun joined Middlesbrough on loan. Kolasinac followed suit, joining Marseille after mutually terminating his contract with the club, while Pablo Mari went on loan to Udinese. Rumours have also linked Aubameyang with an exit from the club, with Saudi club Al Nassr interested in him.
Bernd Leno has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this month in search of more game-time. The Football.London stated in a report that manager Arteta has conveyed his intentions regarding the German shot-stopper and asked him to arrange an exit from the Emirates.
Now, according to 90min, Newcastle United are interested in signing Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno this January. The Magpies have held talks regarding a loan deal for the German shot-stopper and are willing to include an obligation to buy clause in the deal if they can avoid relegation.
Moreover, Sky Germany (via HITC) reported Eddie Howe’s side holding talks with Leno’s representatives for a potential switch. The report also said that the 29-year-old is willing to leave North London and move to St. James Park, having lost his place to Ramsdale.
The German international wants an exit from the Emirates to gain minutes on the pitch, with the World Cup later this year. The goalkeeper is keen to be a part of Hansi Flick’s Germany squad for the quadrennial event. However, he is wary of his chances for the World Cup in case the Magpies relegate to the Championship. He feels Flick could omit him from the squad if Newcastle drop down from the Premier League.
🇩🇪 Newcastle United remain interested in signing Bernd Leno from Arsenal this window. The player is also keen on a move to the north East from what I understand. pic.twitter.com/7vs9zB8Qyg
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) January 26, 2022
Bernd Leno played the opening three Premier League games, losing to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City. He was then replaced by Ramsdale, newly signed from Sheffield United. He was only played in cup games, having featured in three EFL Cup matches.
Arteta stopped playing the German goalkeeper even in cup games after the defeat against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, with Ramsdale featuring in both the legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Although Leno was injured during the second leg, it is doubtful he would have started for Arsenal even if he was fit.
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Moreover, the Gunners are very keen to sign New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner, as reported by The Athletic. Turners’ arrival could further restrict the German goalkeeper’s first-team opportunities, which has prompted Leno to engineer an exit from Arsenal.
The report by Sky Germany mentions his willingness to wait to find the best solution after his exit from Arsenal. The report stated that he is ‘almost certain’ to leave, be it now or in the summer. The Gunners will be happy to let him leave right now, provided they can sign a replacement in the last few days of the transfer window.
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