Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno looks set to leave the club this summer, with Fulham in talks with the German shot-stopper.
The arrival of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United last summer saw Leno become second-choice at the Emirates Stadium. Ramsdale has thrived for the Gunners and become one of their most important players, both on and off the pitch.
And with Matt Turner set to arrive this summer from New England Revolution, Leno is now surplus to requirements. Many expected the 30-year-old to return to Germany, having played for Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart previously, but that may not be the case.
The Athletic report that Fulham are in talks to sign Leno this summer and he is one of their ‘more favoured candidates’. They also report that the goalkeeper is keen to remain in London.
Leno made just four Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, and he would expect far more opportunities at Craven Cottage. It is likely he would become their no.1 under Marco Silva, though Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga performed well last season in the Championship and will be keen to make their mark in the top flight.
Building a team capable of surviving relegation is crucial for Silva, and he is not messing about in trying to get business over the line early this summer. As well as Leno, the former Everton boss is eying up several Premier League proven stars.
The Cottagers have been linked with Liverpool duo Neco Williams and Takumi Minamino. They are also keen to sign Hungary international Callum Styles, though face competition to secure his signature from fellow Premier League newcomers Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
Styles impressed at Barnsley this season and has spoken openly about his desire to leave the club this summer. Speaking after he featured in Hungary’s 1-0 victory over England recently, he said : “The players want the best for me and my family and that - they will have a bit of a joke about me being English tonight, but I am so proud to be part of the team and winning against England is such an incredible achievement. I just never thought it would happen it’s crazy.
"These experiences can only help, you wouldn’t get at club level and the calibre of player you play against is the most elite in the world. Our team has really, really good players also and the standard is very good, so that is obviously going to help push my dream of becoming a Premier League player.
“Me and the club have spoke and we think it is the best time to move on. I just need to sit down with my agent and see what is on the table. Fingers crossed somebody will come in with an offer because I want to play at the top and the club have said that’s how they see it as well, so hopefully, it will be an easy process.” It remains to be seen whether Styles and Leno sign for Fulham this summer or the club are forced to look elsewhere.
