Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly eyeing a shock reunion with the former goalkeeper and current Arsenal outcast Bernd Leno next season.
According to a report from football.london, Bernd Leno is starting to attract interest from the Bundesliga. The Arsenal goalkeeper is expected to leave the Emirates at the end of the season as he looks to take the next step in his career.
In light of his availability in the summer, Leno has been targeted by multiple clubs across Europe, including the cash-rich Newcastle United. However, it appears a return to Germany cannot be ruled out either, with his former club Bayer Leverkusen among the clubs interested in his services.
Leno had made over 300 competitive appearances for Leverkusen during his time in the Bundesliga. He had established himself as one of the finest young goalkeepers in Europe before leaving the club in favour of a move to Arsenal in 2018.
With over 120 competitive appearances for Arsenal, it is safe to say Leno is among the most experienced goalkeepers in the Premier League right now. It combines well with his shot-stopping abilities, which could make him one of the most in-demand goalkeepers in the summer transfer window.
Ahead of the new season, Leno is already starting to attract interest from various top clubs. But the Arsenal outcast could certainly entertain the idea of a return to Leverkusen, given the strong bond he has with the club. A return to Bundesliga may also significantly improve his chances of getting selected for the upcoming FIFA World Cup squad for Germany, especially with Marc-Andre ter Stegen struggling for form.
However, Leverkusen’s interest in re-signing Leno is rather surprising considering the fact that they already boast the services of Lukas Hradecky. The former Eintracht Frankfurt ‘keeper has made his fair share of errors in the past, but he remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the league.
Given Leverkusen’s wage structure, it is unlikely that the club are in a position to afford keeping Hradecky and Leno in the same team. As such, it won’t be surprising to see Die Werkself soon abandoning the pursuit of the Arsenal outcast unless they can fetch a hefty amount for Hradecky next summer.
In other news, the Bundesliga outfit are bracing themselves for a major battle in keeping hold of Florian Wirtz. The German whizkid has become a top target for Newcastle United, Manchester United and Barcelona next summer, though Leverkusen are ready to slap a hefty price tag on the player.
