Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is reportedly closing in on a transfer to newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham in an £8 million deal.
According to The Telegraph, out-of-favour Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is on his way to Fulham, with an £8 million operation close to being finalised after lengthy negotiations between the two clubs.
Leno has been an Arsenal player since 2018 when he arrived from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen. He had been the first-choice goalkeeper for the Gunners for the majority of his stint before falling behind Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order last season. The England star put in several top-notch displays to establish himself as the No. 1 at the Emirates, condemning Leno to a backup role.
Unhappy with his situation, Leno has been seeking an exit this summer, with Arsenal also open to sanctioning a sale as he is in the final year of his contract. They have already brought in a replacement for the German international in the form of Matt Turner, who will take over as the second-choice custodian at the Emirates Stadium.
Leno had been linked with a return to Germany, but a stay in London is looking very likely as he is now set to join newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham.
Talks have resumed between Fulham and Arsenal over the signing of keeper Bernd Leno. ??
The fee under discussion is thought to be in the region of £8m.?
Structure of payments and add-ons are being finalised.
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The Cottagers have been in the market for a new goalkeeper as they look for an upgrade on current options in Paulo Gazzaniga and Marek Rodak. They have had their eyes on a move for Leno for a while now and have been in negotiations with Arsenal over a possible transfer, while already reaching a verbal agreement with the 30-year-old over personal terms.
However, the transfer had stalled due to Arsenal’s transfer fee demands of around £11 million, due to which they had already turned down an offer from Fulham. However, as per the latest report, the Gunners have decided to lower their price tag for the German and are ready to do business for just £8 million.
A move is now believed to be imminent, with Leno set to complete his transfer to Fulham. Should he join, the 30-year-old will become the fourth summer signing for the Cottagers, following in the footsteps of Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira and Manor Solomon, who recently arrived on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk.
