Leicester City have put in motion their plan to acquire Arsenal’s Bernd Leno in a last gasp attempt, according to Football London.
However, newly-promoted side Fulham are in advanced talks with Arsenal to sign their wantaway goalkeeper. But Leicester plan to hijack their deal with a more attractive offer for Leno.
Arsenal have bee trying to sell their 2018 acquisition since the last summer window, but their asking price of £10 million avoided the sale from happening.
Since then the Gunners have lowered the same to £8 million, Fulham found themselves in negotiations for the German shot-stopper. Leicester too have pounced on the opportunity to grab the experienced ‘keeper at a lowered price.
Leicester eyeing to replace Kasper Schmeichel with the Arsenal ‘keeper
Leno was signed by Arsenal back in 2018 for a fee of £22 million, who went on to make an impressive 101 Premier League appearances for the club.
However, after the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale last summer Leno was demoted as the deputy to the England international. But with the World Cup fast approaching Leno wants to leave in order to gain regular minutes.
Further on, Arsenal have signed another ‘keeper this summer in USMNT’s Matt Turner. This could result in Leno falling to third place in the pecking order at the club.
Leicester on the other hand are on the verge of losing their first-choice ‘keeper and captain Kasper Schmeichel to French side OGC Nice. After over a decade with the club, the Dane could be on the move this summer.
The Foxes believe Leno has plenty of experience playing in the Premier League, and getting him for around £8 million would be a profitable bargain.
But they will first have to fend-off the interest from Fulham who according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth is on the brink of signing for the Cottagers.
“Fulham have an agreement in principle with Arsenal over the signing of keeper Bernd Leno. Deal worth £8m. Once finer details are finalised, Leno will have a medical and sort personal terms,” reported Sheth through Twitter.
Moreover, Leicester need to clear their wages by player sales in order to land the German ‘keeper. Youri Tielemans and Kasper Schmeichel’s sales could be fast-tracked as a result to procced with Leno’s pursuit.