Arsenal are set for a defensive overhaul for next season and are reportedly very keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
According to The Sun, Arsenal’s primary goalkeeper target is Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno, and it is said that the Germany international would be interested in a move to the Emirates. The Gunners have had other targets for the No.1 position, with Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Stoke City’s Jack Butland among others, but are now focusing on signing Leno ahead of next season.
Arsenal are set to address their defensive shortcomings following a disastrous season and are set to sign some players to solve the problem area. Those positions include the defensive midfield, central defence and goalkeeping. The North Londoners have already lined up targets for each of the positions, but are set to prioritise a goalkeeper in the next few weeks.
Arsenal’s disastrous season was defined by the failings in their defence, which conceded 69 goals in all competitions, something that had never happened before during Arsene Wenger. While many defenders were to blame for the situation, goalkeepers Petr Cech had his fair share of shortcomings as well.
Cech is reaching the twilight of his footballing career, and the Arsenal hierarchy feels it’s time to replace the veteran goalkeeper keeping the long-term future of the club in mind. There is a belief that Cech would still be at the club and become the club’s second-choice goalkeeper behind a new number one, possibly Leno.
On the other hand, David Ospina, Arsenal’s current second-choice is set for a move away from the club to seek first-team opportunities elsewhere. Ospina did not make many appearances this season and was restricted mostly to cup competitions.
Bernd Leno is an experienced goalkeeper, having made 304 appearances in all competitions till date for Bayern Leverkusen. Still only 26, he has his best years ahead of him, while his impressive performances this season has led many to believe he could be Germany’s first-choice keeper at the World Cup.
Arsenal have been on Leno’s trail for months now. A £25 million is being touted, which in this market would represent a steal for an experienced goalkeeper. Arsenal’s recruitment, headed now by Sven Mislintat appear keen on a deal and are expected to wrap up the Leno signing as soon as the market opens.
Mislintat knows Leno from his time in Germany. There is a further suggestion that the 26-year-old is keen on joining Arsenal and this mutual interest could see the deal wrapped up without any fuss. Leno has a contract with Leverkusen till 2020, but there is a feeling the club won’t stand in his way if he wished to move.