Arsenal have reportedly stepped up negotiations to sign Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
The Germany international had initially been tipped to make a switch to Napoli but talks appear to have seemingly broken down with his representative recently claiming that there are ‘other sides’ vying for his signature.
According to Bild, the Gunners have opened up talks for the 26-year-old, who is said to be eyeing a fresh challenge after spending seven years in the Leverkusen first-team.
In this period, he has racked nearly 300 appearances for the club whilst earning the reputation of being an excellent penalty stopper which the Gunners have not possessed of late.
As per the report, the shot-stopper currently has a £22m release clause on his contract, and this seems to have made him a viable option to bolster the Gunners’ goalkeeping department.
Arsenal are expected to find a replacement for veteran Petr Cech after his notable errors over the course of the season and David Ospina is certainly not being considered as the next number one.
Ospina has been impressive with his goalkeeping duties on the ground but he has found himself wanting while trying to intercept crosses in the air.
Meanwhile, Bild have claimed that Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the German keeper but Arsenal could remain favourites if Jan Oblak is to stay put with Atleti as the first-choice.
Arsenal take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium tonight where they will be searching for their first away point on 2018. The Gunners have lost their last six league games on the road and Arsene Wenger will be aiming to end this lean streak prior to his summer exit.
