Arsenal have reportedly intensified their search for a new goalkeeper following the inconsistent performances of Petr Cech during the ongoing campaign.
The 35-year-old has been guilty of making unforced mistakes which have cost the club valuable points this term, and the club appear set to pursue a replacement.
According to Bild, the north London side are lining up a swoop for Bernd Leno, who has been with Bayer Leverkusen for the past seven years.
The 26-year-old presently has a release clause of £22m on his contract which expires during the summer of 2020, but this does not offer the Gunners with an easy route to his services.
As per Bild, Serie A leaders Napoli are also interested in the six-cap Germany international, and they see him as a probable successor to Pepe Reina, who is expected to leave on a free transfer during the summer.
Cech started his Gunners career in 2015 with a couple of top-notch performances including one versus Liverpool, but his reflexes are no longer the same, and this was evident during the weekend.
The Czech allowed Glenn Murray to score off a header which he should have gobbled into his grasp, but his poor handling allowed the 34-year-old to score a crucial goal which proved the winner.
Gunners’ back-up goalkeeper David Ospina has also inconsistent with his positioning in the Cup competitions, and his performances may come under focus during the two-legged Europa League tie versus Milan.
Arsene Wenger has stuck with the Colombian for most of the Cup and European duties this term, and the shot-stopper may need to be at the top of his game against the Rossoneri, who are unbeaten since the turn of the year.
