Keith Downie has tipped Newcastle United to renew their interest in Bernd Leno and make a move for the Arsenal keeper if they stay up in the Premier League.
Newcastle United used their resources well in the January window to bring in key reinforcements. The biggest task facing the manager and the Magpies board is to stay up in the Premier League as they languish in the relegation zone. With domestic action set to resume this week following the winter break, they remain in 19th place as they face Everton on Wednesday night.
While the club strengthened their defence, attack and midfield, Newcastle United also wanted to bring in a new goalkeeper. The Magpies held a considerable interest in Bernd Leno, although Arsenal were not interested in selling their second choice keeper mid-way through the season.
The German was Arsenal’s undisputed No. 1 until the summer arrival of Aaron Ramsdale, who has overtaken Leno in the pecking order this season. While Leno was reportedly keen on joining Newcastle United, he may have to wait until the summer to get a move away from the Emirates.
Leno will have a year left on his deal in the summer and could be allowed to leave if a reasonable offer comes Arsenal’s way. The Gunners are reportedly seeking at least €15 million for the 29-year-old German international.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has backed Newcastle’s pursuit of Leno, tipping the club to move for the Arsenal star if they stay up. His comments appeared on GiveMeSport, as the journalist suggested the Magpies would look to strengthen their goalkeeping department and seek the German international’s services if they stay up in the Premier League.
Downie said, “I could foreseeably see them, if they stay up, looking to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer and changing things up in the goalkeeping department. I think Bernd Leno is someone they would be interested in given his experience in the Premier League already.”
The project Newcastle United are embarking upon is a long-term plan designed to make them a superpower in European football. However, their primary objective remains to stay put in the Premier League next season, which could mean a major overhaul in the summer at St. James Park.
