The Athletic claim Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will give Bernd Leno ‘permission’ to leave the Gunners in the summer on a permanent basis. He was linked with a loan move to Newcastle towards the end of January.
Leno, 29, has dropped to the bench at Arsenal after the arrival of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. It has seen the German play just seven times this season, with a few errors creeping into his game of late.
The ex-Leverkusen stopper was not even used in the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Liverpool – which Arsenal lost 2-0 on aggregate. He has entered the final 18 months of his contract and a move is expected.
90Min reported that Newcastle held talks with Arsenal regarding a loan move in the January window – but nothing materialised. Now, The Athletic claim Arsenal will be ‘granted permission’ to Leno to leave the club.
Of course, USA international and New England Revolution stopper Matt Turner is set to join the club in the summer – and is expected to be happy to play back-up to Ramsdale. It ends the need for Leno.
Arsenal to sell Leno: Where does the German goalkeeper go?
Newcastle could retain an interest in the summer. While Martin Dubravka was considered one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers a few seasons ago, his form has not been as good of late. He could be replaced.
Newcastle could do a lot worse than Leno – but other Premier League clubs could be keen. A mid-table side pushing for the top half might be tempted. But the likelihood is, is that Leno will return to the Bundesliga.
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