Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has been shortlisted as one of the candidates to replace Samir Handanovic at Inter Milan.
According to Tuttosport, as cited by Sempre Inter, Bernd Leno has emerged as a transfer target for Inter Milan. The Arsenal goalkeeper has been identified as a potential candidate to replace ageing goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, as the Nerazzurri slowly look to rebuild their team under the leadership of Simone Inzaghi.
In addition to Leno, Inter are also keeping an eye on Andre Onana. The Ajax goalkeeper is available for a free transfer next summer and will perhaps be a cost-effective alternative to Leno, should Inter opt to make a move in the January transfer window.
Arsenal themselves are likely to cash in on the German international in winter, having brought in Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window. It appears quite evident that the board is not happy with the performances of Leno, who was heading into the summer on the back of a disappointing 2020/21 campaign.
The former Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper has started the first three games at Arsenal in the new season, conceding a total of nine goals in the process. One can expect the German’s game-time to not last long, once Mikel Arteta looks to try his luck with Ramsdale, who also cost a fortune.
For Inter, things have been difficult this summer, with Achraf Hakimi joining Paris Saint-Germain while Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea. It has left the squad crippled, especially after the departure of coach Antonio Conte. But the newly-appointed Inzaghi believes he can turn things around and one of the problems he is on addressing is the goalkeeping department.
Handanovic has been a great servant for Inter over the years, with almost 400 competitive appearances. But at the age of 37, it is time to move on and that is where Leno comes into the fray.
The German custodian would be a gamble given his mixed record at the highest level of football. He does, however, bring the experience to the table and Inter Milan shouldn’t have too many difficulties negotiating a deal with Arsenal.
In fact, it will be interesting to see if the Gunners use the sale of Leno and a few more fringe players to fund a move for a new midfielder in January. Yves Bissouma, for one, has been eyed as a potential candidate, though they could face stiff competition from Manchester United and Liverpool.
