Arsenal’s chances in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno have been boosted after the German club have signed a possible replacement.
Arsenal have entered a new era with Arsene Wenger leaving the club and appointing Unai Emery as their new manager. However, with things to be changed on the playing field, Arsenal have been actively searching for defensive reinforcements, with goalkeeping as their top priority. The Mirror reports that Arsenal could be nearing a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno with things changing at the German club.
Bayer Leverkusen have finalised the signing of Lukas Hradecky from Eintracht Frankfurt, which has reportedly paved the way for the German side to sell their current no.1 Bernd Leno. Arsenal have been on his chase for quite some time now, and if this is an indication, a move could be on the cards.
The move for Hradecky will reportedly bring about a change in the goalkeeping positions at Leverkusen with Leno set to become their new no.2. This would mean a boost for Arsenal and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, has been credited with spotting the keeper as a possible replacement for Petr Cech. The Gunners reportedly want to get done with a deal and wrap it up possibly before the World Cup.
Leno has made over 300-appearances for the German side and is set on a move elsewhere, and would likely prefer the Premier League. There is also the factor of his price tag, which is reportedly believed to be around the €25 million mark, which would be ideal for Arsenal given their restricted budget for the summer window.
Arsenal’s defensive woes have been well documented this season as the Emirates outfit conceded 69 goals in an underwhelming season which saw them finish 6th in the league and crash out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage. To begin with, Mislintat has prioritised a goalkeeper and a centre-back to boost the back line.
With Lukas Hradecky at Bayer Leverkusen, Leno feels that his place as the first-choice keeper is under real threat as he could become their no.2 for the coming season if he is to stay. Arsenal’s recruitment team, however, have taken this as positive news and could well step up their pursuit of the Germany International in the coming days.