Prem rivals think they’re about to sign ‘special’ £100k-a-week Arsenal ace

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Fulham are increasingly confident that Bernd Leno will leave Arsenal and seal a £10 million move to The Gunners’ Premier League rivals, as reported by the Evening Standard. 

After negotiations with Tomas Strakosha collapsed and after Nick Pope lent his hand – quite literally – to the Newcastle United revolution, an ambitious, high-aiming Fulham side have settled upon a Germany international crying out for a fresh start. 

Is there a better back-up goalkeeper in England’s top flight than Leno? The former Bayer Leverkusen glovesman might not be the most complete shot-stopper in world football – he retains a nagging penchant for ill-judged decisions – but, on the basis of reflexes alone, Leno could hold his own against almost anyone in the division. 

The 30-year-old was arguably Arsenal’s most consistent performer in a difficult 2019/20. And it is only because of Aaron Ramsdale’s outstanding displays between the sticks that he lost his place at the Emirates Stadium. 

Arsenal benchwarmer Bernd Leno set for a fresh start at Fulham

Leno now has just 12 months left on his contract. And, with a World Cup on the horizon, another half-season on the sidelines is far from ideal. Particularly after Arsenal brought in Matt Turner from New England Revolution. 

Leno has been linked with the likes of Benfica and Newcastle.Bbut Fulham are now leading the chase by some distance. The Standard claims that there is an expectation at Craven Cottage that Leno will put pen to paper on a three-year deal. He will replace Marek Rodak as Marco Silva’s number one. 

This comes after Leno, who earns £100,000-a-week in North London, was left out in favour of Turner for Arsenal’s 5-3 pre-season friendly victory over Nurnburg on Friday. 

“Big, big credit to him,” Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka said after Leno rolled back the years and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in the spring. 

“He’s still a top, top ‘keeper. He came in (to the starting XI) and looked (like) his special self.” 

Fulham have already brought in Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira. Kevin Mbabu and Manor Solomon should follow, with Juventus’ Luca Pellegrini another target.