Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has called on the club to ease his transfer to Fulham by lowering his valuation, according to talkSPORT.
The newly-promoted Premier League side has been keen on the German this summer, making Leno their number one choice for the goalkeeping position.
Talks of a move intensified after both the player and the club had come to a ‘verbal agreement’ over a switch.
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The prospect of a deal materialising grew after Leno was left out of Arsenal’s first official pre-season clash against FC Nürnberg, as they aim to steer clear of any transfer-scuppering injuries.
With personal terms agreed, Fulham were due to enter talks with the Gunners but have seen their efforts put off by the North Londoners’ valuation.
Arsenal are said to be holding out for £11 million for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen shot-stopper.
This fee has left the Cottagers ‘reluctant’, according to talkSPORT.
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As per the same report, the player and his camp are now looking to intervene and convince the Emirates Stadium outfit to ease their price-tag.
Leno is reportedly desperate to trade North London for West London after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta.
The goalkeeper emerged as a lead candidate to depart as a consequence of his lack of playing time, with the Gunners also keen to move some deadwood out and bulk up their summer budget.
The 30-year-old made just three Premier League appearances following the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, last summer.
Making no more than eight appearances across all competitions over the last year, Leno is now pleading with Arsenal not to price him out of a move, as he searches for first-team football.
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In the meantime, Arsenal have already rubber-stamped plans to replace the Germany international after the long-awaited arrival of Matt Turner from New England Revolution, touted as Ramsdale’s deputy.
Despite having just a year left on his current deal, however, Arsenal will be keen to bank a fraction of the £22-million outlay sent Leverkusen’s way back in 2018.
Leno has made 125 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from the Bundesliga.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy ImagesTopics: Bernd Leno, Arsenal