Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno for a move in the summer transfer window.
German outlet Kicker have reported that Real Madrid have set their sights towards Bundesliga to sign a goalkeeper in the summer, with Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno falling on their radar.
Leno has blossomed into a fine goalkeeper ever since he moved to Bayer Leverkusen from Vfb Stuttgart in 2011. The move has unquestionably been a success for the 25-year-old as he is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in Germany, and recently made his international debut for his country too.
2016/17 has seen Bayer struggle uncharacteristically in Bundesliga, and while he may not have impressive numbers to boast of, with just 4 clean sheets in 25 matches, Leno has been one of the few shining lights for his side, often saving them the blushes with his superb shot stopping abilities.
As he continues to evolve into one of the best in his position, Leno is starting to capture the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have previously been heavily linked with a move for him, and now Real Madrid are also believed to be eyeing the German.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is believed to have identified goalkeeping as one of the priority positions for reinforcements in the summer. That is because neither Keylor Navas nor his deputy, Kiko Casilla have proven to be a reliable presence between the sticks for Los Blancos.
The duo have managed to keep just 7 clean sheets between them in 27 matches in La Liga this season, and more than their lack of numbers, it is their tendency to commit a blunder that has frustrated Zidane this season.
As a result, Real Madrid are desperate to sign a top goalkeeper in the summer, and David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois are believed to be their top priority targets. However, Courtois recently pledged his future to Chelsea, while there are complications in pursuit of De Gea.
Zidane is, therefore, keeping his options open and has now identified Leno as a possible target for the summer. At 25, the Germany international still has his best years ahead of him and he would, thus, be a long-term solution in goal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Leno would also cost far less than De Gea and Courtois, even though money will not be a problem for the Spanish heavyweights. It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid make a concrete offer to sign him come June, but Leno certainly is a viable target.
