Bernd Leno is not letting speculation surrounding his Arsenal future get to him too much. In fact, he has superbly joked about his next move should he depart in the summer transfer window.
The Germany international began the 2021/22 season as the Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper. But after conceding nine goals across the opening three games against Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City he was dropped in favour of £24m arrival Aaron Ramsdale and rarely got a look in for Premier League fixtures for the remainder of the campaign.
Aside from deputising for Ramsdale in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa before the March international break, Leno saw his game time limited during the second half of the season especially as Arsenal were knocked out of both domestic cup competitions in January and were not in Europe.
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As a result, that rare outing at Villa Park is expected to be his final appearance for the Gunners as football.london have previously reported that a summer exit is very much on the cards as he bids to avoid missing out on a place in Germany's World Cup squad in Qatar.
Although, he's not said his goodbyes just yet. Taking time out of his post-season break, the 30-year-old had some fun on social media by joking about transitioning into Formula 1 after leaving Arsenal and joining Lewis Hamilton's - a Gunners supporter - team as he shut down a claim he had already said his goodbyes to players and staff the London Colney training ground.
"Breaking news: Bernd Leno joins @LewisHamilton's @F1 Team," Leno responded on Twitter. "He was spotted yesterday in front his box in Monaco." Given the usage of several laughing emojis, the German clearly found the funny side of the claim and the response was quite brilliant.
Although, whilst he hasn't said his goodbyes at Arsenal yet, Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu are already planning for life without him having already agreed a deal with New England Revolution for Matt Turner to replace him as the understudy to Ramsdale next season.
football.london understands that the Gunners have been looking to confirm the signing of the 27-year-old when he flies over to England to complete a medical in June and the keeper has revealed when his initial £4.5m transfer could be finalised and subsequently announced by the club.
"My official release [from Revolution] is the 24th June," he said when speaking to Fox Sports earlier in the month. "I think the Revs have games on the 19th June and then the 26th. So, I would be available for selection for the 19th but not the 26th. My flight's booked for right after that game on the 19th."
