Arsenal set for double transfer windfall as forgotten ex-star Bernd Leno triggers Fulham clauses

Arsenal have been handed a second transfer windfall in the space of a week, according to reports, following Pablo Mari’s impending move to Serie A side Monza.

The Spanish defender is currently on loan at Monza, and has helped them to avoid relegation in their first season in Italy’s top division following promotion.

Fabrizio Romano reported that personal terms have been agreed between Mari and Monza, with the defender due to sign a permanent deal for £6 million after he triggered a loan to buy clause in his contract.

The 29-year-old had to play in over 50 per cent of the club’s fixtures and help them avoid relegation in order for the deal to become permanent, meaning Mari is set to bring to an end a largely unsuccessful three-and-a-half year stint in north London.

Now, Arsenal are due to receive another transfer budget bonus.

Arsenal set for fresh transfer windfall

According to The Sun, the Gunners will be handed two payments from Fulham for goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The German shot-stopper joined Marco Silva’s side last summer, having been displaced by Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s number one.

Life at Craven Cottage has started strongly for Leno, who has been a Premier League ever-present in the Cottagers’ starting XI since his debut for the club, a 3-2 win over Brentford on August 20.

He has helped them to secure Premier League survival, which was mathematically confirmed earlier this week - although it had been in little doubt for a number of months, given Fulham’s strong performances.

It is claimed that Fulham need to pay £1 million to the Gunners as a result of their survival. Furthermore, Leno has also reached the number of appearances required to trigger another £1 million instalment to Arsenal.

That takes Arsenal’s income for performance-based fees up to £8 million - a handy boost for manager Mikel Arteta as he looks to improve his squad this summer.