Reports today first from the Evening Standard and now from The telegraph claim that Arsenal’s director of football, Edu Gaspar, has given up on holding out for £15m for Bernd Leno and that Fulham are close to agreeing an initial £8m fee for the German international goalkeeper.
The Leno saga has gone on for the majority of the window after Fulham made initial contact talks have been ongoing for weeks and it appears now as if Fulham will get their number one target.
Leno was ousted as Arsenals first choice when the Gunners signed Aaron Ramsdale last Summer and he made what appears to be his final appearance for them in a 1-0 win over Aston villa towards the end of last season. Arsenal have since brought in Matt Turner and Leno appears to have dropped to 3rd choice at the Emirates, coupled with him heading into his final year of his contract it would make sense for the Gunners to part ways with the Keeper.
The German international has made it clear that he wants to make the move across London and it’s widely reported that personal terms have already been agreed with Leno taking a significant pay cut to complete the move.
The deal would represent somewhat of coup for Marco Silva as he continues to shape his team ahead of an opening day game against Liverpool, Manor Solomon was added officially earlier today and Kevin Mbabu will be announced very soon by the club as well. Should Fulham add Leno it would mean the whites have done some very good business this window so far.
Great signing if we do conclude this deal
Wow! Leno and Diop deals back on the radar after seemingly dead and buried.
If Fulham can pull off these 2 transfers it would dramatically lift our defensive competency to another level.
Quality additions-and I would be the first to eat humble pie and congratulate T.Khan for his patience and business acumen.
I have no idea why the Mbabu deal is taking so long to be confirmed but, hopefully, he will be another quality defender joining our ranks.
Confirmation, finally, of Manor Solomon’s recruitment adds further quality but, this time, to our attacking force. I think this is someone who is going to become a huge fan favourite.
It’s all very late in pre-season but, with the exception of 3 or 4 top clubs, most Premiership teams seem to be leaving it very late to reinforce their squads so we are far from being alone.
A good signing if it goes through. I hope Rodak stays. as he I’d excellent back up rather than Gazzanga, who I’m my opinion is rubbish