Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly ready to let three goalkeepers leave the club this summer.
The Gunners have already added competition for first-choice stopper Aaron Ramsdale, signing United States goalkeeper Matt Turner. The 28-year-old has joined from New England Revolution, arriving in the Premier League ahead of a potential clash with England at the upcoming World Cup.
Turner's arrival has accelerated the departure of Bernd Leno, who looks set to join Fulham in a deal worth around £8m. However, in addition to losing the German, Arsenal are ready to shift Alex Runarsson and Arthur Okonkwo in the same window.
Leno had been Arsenal's first choice stopper until Ramsdale arrived last summer. However, with the England international on board, the former Bayer Leverkusen star was restricted to just four league appearances last summer.
Fulham look to have won the race for the German international, who was also targeted by Leicester City and Napoli. The move comes despite the player's agent Jonas Koukoutrigas suggesting Leno should still be first choice at Arsenal.
"He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player," Koukoutrigas said. "For me personally, Bernd is also the clear No.1 at Arsenal. With all due respect to the competitors."
Are you happy with Arsenal's business? Have your say in the comments section
Runarsson joined Arsenal in 2020 to provide competition for Leno, but failed to successfully stake his claim. The 27-year-old played just six times in all competitions, including a forgettable appearance against Manchester City, and was loaned to Belgian side OH Leuven last term.
According to mbl (via The Sun ), the Icelander could be set for a move to FC Copenhagen. The Danish side are set for Champions League football this season after winning their domestic title, but an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Kamil Grabara - once of Liverpool - has prompted them to look at other options.
The third keeper potentially leaving the club, Okonkwo, is an academy product. He was named on the bench for several Premier League matches last season, but has yet to make his competitive debut for the Gunners.
The 20-year-old was one of a number of stoppers included in Arteta's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States. However, a loan move to Crewe Alexandra looks to be on the cards as the youngster aims to get some first-team football under his belt.
“Going out and getting some senior football will be very important to my career and future,” Okonkwo told Goal last season. “Getting loads of games will prepare me for one day hopefully being No.1 and playing in the Premier League. That’s my goal."
