Fulham have reached a verbal agreement over a three-year deal with Arsenal ace Bernd Leno, although the London sides are yet to finalise a transfer fee.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has reached a verbal agreement with Fulham over a three-year deal with an option of an additional season. The German international is Marco Silva’s No. 1 goalkeeping target, although the two clubs are yet to figure out a transfer fee.
Bernd Leno’s future is increasingly looking away from Arsenal as the goalkeeper seeks to revive to his career. With the World Cup in Qatar on the horizon, he could only make it into Hansi Flick’s side by playing regularly.
Leno was signed in 2018 and immediately took over from Petr Cech as Arsenal’s No.1 choice in goal. He enjoyed three stellar seasons with the Gunners until the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale last summer. The German was relegated to the bench in favour of the England international, who has proved his worth after a big-money move.
Leno’s fate at the club has been sealed, as several sides expressed have their interest in signing him this summer. Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin were keen on the keeper, as the German international pondered returning to his homeland. Portuguese giants Benfica have also been linked.
❗️Exclusive News Bernd #Leno: Verbal agreement with Fulham about a contract until 2025 + 1 year optional. Now the clubs have to find an agreement. Arsenal demands around £10-11m transfer fee. Leno is the desired No. 1 of Fulham. He wants to join them. #FFC #Gunners @SkySportDE ??
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 7, 2022
However, having been settled in London for four years, Leno seemingly has reciprocated Fulham’s interest. The Cottagers, fresh from their promotion into the Premier League, have been looking for a quality custodian to guard their goal, and there are hardly any better options in the market than Leno.
After much deliberations, Leno has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Marco Silva’s side over a three-year contract until 2025. There is an option to extend it by a further season, although which party has the power to do so remains unclear.
Fulham had made Leno their primary goalkeeping target and seem to have secured their man. The Cottagers have been on an impressive run in the transfer window of late, and bringing in a keeper with Premier League pedigree will help them plenty in their quest to sustain the challenge of the top-flight.
Fulham and Arsenal are yet to reach an agreement over the fee for the German. The Gunners reportedly seek £10-11 million from the Cottagers, as they do not want to lose a keeper who has only entered his prime on the cheap. A move to Fulham would be great for Leno and his chances to make it into the German national squad for the World Cup.
