According to a source, Fulham have begun negotiations with Arsenal about signing goalkeeper Bernd Leno during the summer transfer window.
When he was bought for about £22 million from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018, Leno was signed as the first-choice shot-stopper at the Emirates Stadium. However, during the 2021-22 season, he was demoted to the backup option.
Last summer, Mikel Arteta brought in Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, and the 24-year-old went on to make 34 Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta’s team, limiting Leno to just four.
The 30-year-old’s playing time might be limited even further next season, as goalkeeper Matt Turner is due to join the club from the MLS’s New England Revolution this summer, after a contract struck back in February.
As a result, the German has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer, with Benfica previously expressing an interest. However, according to The Athletic, Fulham are currently leading the race for his services.
According to the report, Leno is the main target for Marco Silva’s team, albeit no agreement has yet been reached.
It continues with the goalkeeper’s wish to stay in London, which Fulham can provide, despite the fact that he is one of several choices under consideration by the club, including Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha.
Leno has made 125 appearances for the Gunners since moving from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.
