Arsenal To Sign Bernd Leno This Week
Bernd Leno’s transfer to Arsenal is rumored to be announced as early as this week, with the 26-year-old being identified as the clubs long-term replacement to the aging Petr Cech. BBC Sports’ David Ornstein tweeted “Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Germany goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen.”
The German goalkeeper is expected to sign a five-year deal, with rumors swirling that Leno is said to be in London today. The Mirror is reporting “Arsenal will announce the signing of goalkeeper Bernd Leno on Tuesday, according to a report in Germany.”
The product of VfB Stuttgart, Leno has made 304 total appearances for Bayer Leverkusen in all competitions since his transfer in 2011. Standing at 1.9 meters, the German had a productive 2017/2018 season for Die Werkself, tying for the second-most clean sheets in the league.
Arsenal’s Head of Recruitment Sven Mislintat and coach Unai Emery have been searching to replace Petr Cech, who turned 36 last month. Bernd Leno comes at a price ideal for Arsenal and while his save percentage has dropped each year since 2015 he’s still an upgrade for the Gunners.
Arsenal, with so many new faces, could face some growing pains during their next Premier League campaign. New tactics from a new coach, new center-backs, and a new goalkeeper could see stats drop in 2018/2019, but that’s a risk worth willing to take for Arsenal to progress.
The Gunners have made good choices at the number one position in the past and, if the rumors are true, Bernd Leno will hold the position for years to come.