In the January window, Bernd Leno has expressed concerns about his future and hinted at a move away from Arsenal.
Many believed Aaron Ramsdale was signed during the summer as a quality back-up to Bernd Leno, despite Arsenal paying an initial £24 million fee. However, things have rapidly changed for the German stopper, who was replaced by the 23-year-old immediately.
Since the international break, Leno has played just once for Arsenal, in the EFL cup tie against AFC Wimbledon, while Ramsdale has taken part in all three Premier League victories since. Dropping the German for the North London Derby might have infuriated him even more, considering the keeper is yet to show any lapses in form.
The truth is that Ramsdale is doing things that Leno does, but better and providing more assurance in the box. In Leno’s defence, the keeper hasn’t done much wrong since the season began but found a bad defensive lineup in front of him that conceded nine goals in the first three Premier League games.
Ramsdale’s performances in the three games he’s played in have recently received widespread praises, particularly from Sol Campbell, who was impressed by the former Sheffield stopper. Ian Wright also said a few good words regarding Ramsdale in the aftermath of the Burnley win.
Leno is naturally infuriated, but his situation could also be related to his future at the club, as reports suggest he might be sold next summer. The German may not wait until that period, as he hinted at a move away from the club in January while stating that Mikel Arteta is yet to give a proper reason for dropping him. Goal.com posted these quotes from Leno, as the German keeper spoke to Sport Bild.
Leno said, “There was no clear reason why I was out, but it had nothing to do with my performance. He [Arteta] is the trainer, he decides. Of course, it’s difficult for me. London is very nice; Milan is not bad either and closer to my home Stuttgart. I’m not seriously thinking about that yet. I feel comfortable at Arsenal and in London.
“Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things: what option do I have, how can I continue? I’m concentrating on my work in training; I can’t commit to anything else at the moment.”
With Leno’s future surely up in the air, Arsenal might have to begin a search for a new deputy keeper to Ramsdale. Inter Milan are reportedly keeping tabs on the German stopper, and if things don’t change rapidly, Leno might find himself playing football in different colours.
