Newcastle United are in talks about a loan-to-buy deal for Bernd Leno but Premier League rivals Arsenal have concerns about letting the £20 million goalkeeper go, as reported by 90Min.
Now, a new shot-stopper is hardly Eddie Howe’s top priority in the final few days of the January transfer window.
After signing Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood from Atletico Madrid and Burnley respectively, the Magpies are pushing ahead with their attempts to bring in a commanding central defender, a box-to-box midfielder, an exciting wideman and a striker capable of easing the goalscoring burden on an injury-prone Callum Wilson.
One area where Newcastle are well-stocked, however, is between the sticks.
Martin Dubravka remains one of the division’s most-reliable glovesmen – where would they be without him? – with Karl Darlow a proven deputy.
Nonetheless, The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Newcastle are not ‘ruling out’ bringing a new goalkeeper to St James’ Park should the opportunity arise.
And as talented as Dubravka may be, even the most rose-tinted of Newcastle supporters must admit that Germany international Leno is something of an upgrade.
Will Arsenal let Bernd Leno join Newcastle?
90Min claim that Newcastle are holding discussions with the former Bayer Leverkusen man.
Leno would arrive an initial loan deal, one that will become permanent if Eddie Howe succeeds in leading the club away from a crowded drop zone.
Leno wants a fresh start.
He has made no secret of his desire to play first-team football again. Leno has lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s XI to Aaron Ramsdale, one of this season’s most inspired signings.
The report does add, however, that Arsenal are ‘worried’ that Leno’s departure would leave them somewhat vulnerable.
Should Leno go, and should Ramsdale suffer an injury, that would force Arteta to throw untested Arthur Okonkwo in at the deep end.
Understandably, this is a risk Arsenal would rather avoid.
Leno has not played a Premier League game since August.
He did produce one of his finest Arsenal performances against Newcastle in the FA Cup 12 months ago, however. Arteta labelled his display ‘magnificent’.
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