Roger Schmidt wants his club Benfica to sign Bernd Leno in the summer, but Arsenal’s asking price poses a problem for the Portuguese giants.
According to Correio da Manha, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is a target for Benfica in the summer, with the German set to be allowed to leave if a reasonable offer comes in. The Gunners have set a €10 million asking price, which could pose a problem for the Portuguese side.
Benfica have played a key role in developing many top players, currently plying their trade in Europe’s top-five leagues. The Portuguese club have a specific business model to bring in unpolished diamonds and sell them on for a profit when the interest is rife.
While clubs like Benfica heavily rely on player development, very rarely do they venture out to buy established players in their prime. However, the Portuguese side are keen on such a deal this summer, with current boss Roger Schmidt keen on Bernd Leno.
The German boss had worked with his compatriot at Bayer Leverkusen for nearly three years. He is willing to convince Benfica to sign the keeper, as the Portuguese side are not fully on board to spend significantly on a shot-stopper. But Arsenal’s €10 million valuation is proving to be a problem.
Leno has been playing second-fiddle to summer arrival Aaron Ramsdale this season, making just eight appearances across all competitions. His lack of game-time could also see him not get selected for Germany’s squad for the World Cup, although he could still have time to make amends.
Having rejected the prospect of joining Newcastle United, Leno could be open to leaving England and joining a club abroad. That certainly puts Benfica in a hopeful spot, although there could be proposals from other teams. There are also reports linking Leno with a return to Bayer Leverkusen, which could benefit the ‘keeper with his chances of featuring for the national side.
Arsenal, for their part, are open to a sale, having already signed Matt Turner in January. But the Gunners are unwilling to accept a lower fee for the keeper entering his final contractual year. Benfica will deliberate further and decide whether to pay the €10 million asking price for the 30-year-old German or switch their focus to other targets.