Fulham are edging closer to concluding a deal to sign Arsenal’s German international goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The Whites have been in negotiations with the Gunners about a permanent deal to bring Leno, who has a year to run on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium, to Craven Cottage for around three and a half weeks. Arsenal have told the 30 year-old goalkeeper he is surplus to requirements following the arrival of Matt Turner – and a deal is believed to be close that will deliver funds allowing Mikel Arteta to continue reshaping his squad.

Leno, who lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale last term, is eager to play first-team football in a bid to go to the winter World Cup and Fulham are thought to be an attractive option giving their London location and their promotion back to the Premier League. Marco Silva has targeted an upgrade on Marek Rodak as the Cottagers look to strengthen before the beginning of their top flight campaign next month.

The experienced goalkeeper has made 125 appearances for Arsenal having previously played for Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen.