Leicester City are reportedly considering Arsenal outcast Bernd Leno to replace Kasper Schmeichel, who could leave the Premier League club to join OGC Nice.
According to GFFN, Leicester City could turn towards Bernd Leno as they seek a replacement for Kasper Schmeichel. The Foxes’ captain could leave the Premier League club after reaching an agreement to join Ligue outfit OGC Nice.
Leicester City’s name has been on social media in the last few days as the Foxes are the only team in Europe’s top seven divisions to have not made a single signing this summer. That could change as they are keen on signing Bernd Leno from Premier League rivals Arsenal, with the German stopper on the market.
Leicester City may not have considered signing a goalkeeper as a priority this summer. But with reports pointing towards Kasper Schmeichel’s impending departure, reinforcing the position has become imperative. The Danish veteran has agreed to terms with Ligue 1 outfit Nice, with Leicester ready to let him leave.
Schmeichel’s departure would leave a void in the goalkeeping department, and Brendan Rodgers would want a quality replacement. While most goalkeepers in the market would cost a lot, few options could be financially viable. Leno is one of the names being considered alongside Nantes’s Alban Lafont.
Leicester City are the only team in Europe's TOP SEVEN leagues not to sign a player this summer…
Not to mention, club captain, Kasper Schmeichel has agreed to join OGC Nice as reported by @lequipe! ? pic.twitter.com/zLkqKZYr7I
— SPORF (@Sporf) July 26, 2022
Fulham have reportedly inched closer to landing Leno, having held negotiations for the best parts of July. The Cottagers are yet to agree to a fee with Arsenal, with the north Londoners reportedly demanding a fee close to £15 million.
Arsenal also rejected an offer worth £10 million including add-ons, as they refused to undervalue the German international. Leno has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Fulham, as he wants to continue living in London for the foreseeable future.
However, interest from Leicester City could turn his head, given the Premier League club’s overall quality and recent history. The Foxes are much more stable than Fulham, although much will depend on their contract offer and agreement with Arsenal over a fee.
Also Read: Summer Splash: Arsenal making the right moves, but exits pose challenge
Leno is desperate to leave Arsenal as he wants to play regular football. After Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival last summer, he lost his first-choice status and was restricted to an odd appearances here and there. He harbours hopes of making it to the German squad for the World Cup and needs to play regularly. Fulham would be a good move, but if Leicester are serious about their interest, he might place them under consideration.
