Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno reveals Mikel Arteta has given him ‘NO clear reason’ why he’s lost his No 1 spot to £24m new signing Aaron Ramsdale… as he eyes up January exit
- Bernd Leno says he has not been told by Mikel Arteta why he’s been dropped
- The Arsenal goalkeeper has lost his No 1 spot to summer signing Aaron Ramsdale
- And the German has revealed that he’s been left in the dark by Arteta as to why
- Leno could now push for a move away from the club when the window reopens
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has revealed that he’s been given ‘no clear reason’ as to why he’s lost his starting spot by boss Mikel Arteta.
The 29-year-old German has seen £24million summer signing Aaron Ramsdale cement his position as Arsenal’s new No 1, with Arteta favouring the former Sheffield United man in recent weeks this season.
Ramsdale has managed to keep three clean sheets in his past four games, seeing his stock rise with the Gunners management and fanbase, while Leno has been left out in the cold.
Bernd Leno says he has not been told by Mikel Arteta why he’s been dropped as Arsenal’s No 1
Arteta insists he wants both goalkeepers to push each other to improve competition for places but Leno has been left in the dark as to why he’s no longer favoured by the Spaniard.
‘There was no clear reason why I was out, but it had nothing to do with my performance,’ Leno told Sport Bild. ‘He is the trainer, he decides. Of course, it’s difficult for me.’
Leno is keen to play regularly and is weighing up a move away in the January, with Inter showing interest.
‘London is very nice; Milan is not bad either and closer to my home Stuttgart,’ he added. ‘I’m not seriously thinking about that yet. I feel comfortable at Arsenal and in London.
The 29-year-old (right) has seen Aaron Ramsdale (left) cement his spot as Arsenal’s new No 1
Gunners boss Arteta (left) has favoured Ramsdale (centre) ahead of Leno in recent weeks
‘Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things: what option do I have, how can I continue? I’m concentrating on my work in training; I can’t commit to anything else at the moment.’
Inter have also been discussing a deal for Ajax keeper Andre Onana who is on Arsenal’s radar too and has rejected the offer of a new contract so will be free next summer.
Arsenal have been considering back-up goalkeeper options regardless and could be persuaded to sell Leno if a suitable offer comes in from Inter or elsewhere and Ramsdale continues his progression.
Apart from Onana, Neto of Barcelona and David Raya of Brentford have been discussed but the latter will want to continue playing regular top flight football which he is enjoying at The Community Stadium.
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