Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told the club’s official website after the match against Aston Villa that Bernd Leno has been having a tough time at the club.
Leno started for Arsenal in their Premier League game against Villa away from home at Villa Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners won 1-0.
Germany international goalkeeper Leno made some good saves and gave a good account of himself.
It was the £19.3 million player’s (BBC Sport) first start in the Premier League since August 2021.
Aaron Ramsdale has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, but the Englishman was injured for the match against Villa.
And Leno got his chance.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno
Arteta told Arsenal’s official website about Leno: “He had control, emotionally he was prepared and I’m really happy for him.
“Obviously it’s been a tough few months for him because he’s always played in his career, but he has stayed there, Aaron has been here to support him and it’s great to see those things.
“His reaction has been very good, accepting the role, it’s very difficult not accepting it, but relaxing about it, just trying to push and improve in every area and this is what we want from our players.”
No future at the Emirates Stadium
In our view, Leno does not have a future at Arsenal and should leave the Gunners at the end of the season.
Ramsdale is the clear number one goalkeeper for the North London club, and that is not going to change anytime soon.
We do not think that there is any point in the 30-year-old warming the bench at Arsenal.
Leno is in the prime of his career, and another top club would benefit from having him in their starting lineup on a regular basis.
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