Tonight could be £22m player’s last game for Arsenal – our view

Follow us on Google Discover

Speculation is rife that Arsenal will move on Bernd Leno in the January transfer window.

The German goalkeeper has been usurped as the Gunners’ number one by Aaron Ramsdale, who joined for £30 million this past summer.

Arsenal host AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup tonight and although Ramsdale started the previous round against West Brom, Leno could come in later on.

But it’s possible that it’s the 29-year-old’s last game for Arsenal.

Why could it be his last game?

The reason why Leno – if he starts – could be putting on his gloves for the last time for Arsenal is because Eurosport claimed on Tuesday that he could be off this winter.

Another reason is that if Mikel Arteta’s side win tonight and draw a serious opponent in the fourth round of the competition, the Spanish coach may be tempted to use his best-available goalkeeper – and that is, for the moment, Ramsdale.

Is Leno definitely starting?

In a word, no.

It has to be noted that Leno might not even start tonight.

Arteta also has Arthur Okonkwo and Karl Hein as options and, as mentioned, this is a League One side so the Arsenal boss might well prefer to use one of those two instead.

Leno, who cost £22 million in 2018, has been a decent keeper for the Emirates Stadium club down the years.

But clearly not good enough in the eyes of Arteta and Edu and if he does play tonight, it’ll be one of the last times that he does if the EuroSport report is accurate.