Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is expected to leave the club next summer, according to reports. Leno's position at Emirates has slipped, and it is rumored that he is looking for a new job.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will reportedly 'allow' the former Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper to leave the club next summer, according to The Athletic. Leno's contract with the North London club expires in 2023.
During his time with Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen, the German made a name for himself. During his seven years with the club, he made over 300 appearances in all competitions. Before moving to Arsenal, Leno had established himself as one of Germany's best goalkeepers.
In the summer of 2018, he joined Arsenal for £22.5 million from Bayer Leverkusen, and has quickly established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. The 29-year-old had a strong season in 2019-20, finishing second in Arsenal's Player of the Season voting.
However, the German had a tough campaign in 2020-21. Despite making 49 appearances in all competitions for the club, Leno was criticized for his inconsistency and several high-profile errors.
Last summer, Arsenal paid Bournemouth £30 million to sign Aaron Ramsdale. During the first few months of the season, Leno was the club's first-choice goalkeeper, but the Englishman quickly added him to the starting lineup.
Ramsdale has been a revelation to Arsenal this season, having made several impressive saves and commanding performances in the first half of the season. As a result, Leno has made only seven appearances in all competitions for Arteta this season.
Newcastle United were reportedly interested in signing Leno on a season-long loan during the recent transfer window, according to 90min. However, an agreement could not be reached. The Gunners, on the other hand, are supposed to be ready to let Leno go in the summer.
Bernd Leno wants to leave Arsenal this month in search of more regular football. Newcastle has been added. (Source: Football London) https://t.co/5v9YXY38qt
In order to raise the money needed to sign a striker, Arsenal will most likely try to sell off their fringe players.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the target of the Gunners.
According to the papers, Arsenal is rumored to be planning to spend the summer there, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin being one of their targets.
Hector Bellerin, a Spanish right-back, is currently on loan at Real Betis. Next summer, the 26-year-old is widely expected to leave Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis. Several clubs, including Newcastle United, have expressed interest in Leno, who is expected to leave in search of regular playing time.
Arsenal could use the money raised from the potential sale of Torreira, Bellerin and Leno to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Calvert-Lewin scored 21 goals in 39 appearances for the Toffees last season, and has emerged as Arteta's top transfer target.