Reports: Arsenal want German goalkeeper

What’s the rumour?

As per reports from The Sun, Arsenal are ready to make a move for Bayer Leverkusen's goalkeeper Bernd Leno this summer. The player is reportedly seeking a move away from the club at the end of the season.

In case you didn't know...

A product of Stuttgart's academy, Leno made the switch to Leverkusen in 2011. He has been their no.1 man between the sticks since then and has made a name for himself on the big stage through his brilliant performances.

The 26-year-old has made 301 appearances for the club in all competitions and is nearing his 100th clean sheet. He has also earned a call-up to the German national team in the process and was part of the team that won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.

He has a contract till 2020 but as per the report, he is eyeing a move this summer.

The heart of the matter

With Arsene Wenger stepping down after 22 years at the club, wholesale changes can be expected at the club. One of them seems to be finding a successor for Petr Cech, who has shown signs of ageing of late.

Cech has uncharacteristically been susceptible to rudimentary mistakes this season and the Arsenal hierarchy feel the need to find a proper replacement before he eventually steps down.

They have thus reportedly identified Leno as a possible option and are prepared to rival Atletico Madrid and Napoli, who are also allegedly interested in signing the German.

Rumour rating/probability - 7/10

Arsenal have been linked to many top keepers for quite some time and with many outlets reporting the same news, we feel that there may be some truth in it after all.

Video: Leno in action

Author’s take

Leno is an excellent goalkeeper and is worthy of giving stiff competition to Marc-Andre ter Stegen to become Germany's starter once Manuel Neuer steps down. The quoted £17.5 million fee is easily affordable for Arsenal and they must try to sign the player if he decides to leave.