Bernd Leno should be Arsenal’s number one ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, according to his agent.
The German international had been a fixture of the Gunners’ starting XI since signing for the club in 2018. Even as recently as the beginning of last season, the 30-year-old started the opening three games of the Premier League campaign, a run of games that saw Arsenal succumb to three consecutive defeats.
Since then, Arteta brought in Aaron Ramsdale for £25 million, and the 24-year-old swiftly displaced Leno, and the Englishman hasn’t looked back since, cementing the starting berth as his own at the Emirates.
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Bernd Leno’s agent, Joannis Koukoutrigas, however, disagrees that his client should ever have been displaced, telling BILD:
“He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player.
“For me, personally, Bernd is also the clear No.1 at Arsenal. With all due respect to the competitors.
His agent then goes onto add that whilst the German international deserves to be starting at the Emirates over Aaron Ramsdale, there has been talks with other clubs about acquiring his services.
“Yes, Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status.
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“But, as I said, for me he is the No.1 at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed.”
There’s no real possibility of friction being caused by these quotes. Leno has been a model professional during his tenure at the club, even during the period that he has sat on the bench.
No scene encapsulates that better than the Arsenal players joyously celebrating with their teammate following a rare outing against Aston Villa in March.
With Matt Turner arriving from New England Revolution this summer, Leno’s departure has an aura of inevitability around it. However, the Gunners faithful will be left with fond memories of a keeper who saved them countless times, and has been a model professional in an era at the Emirates where that had been sorely lacking.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Bernd Leno, Aaron Ramsdale, Transfers