Arsenal ‘lower Bernd Leno asking price’ with Fulham confident of pulling off £8m transfer for keeper
FULHAM are reportedly confident of signing Bernd Leno after Arsenal allegedly lowered their asking price to £8million.
The German goalkeeper, 30, lost his No1 spot to Aaron Ramsdale last season and is set to fall further down the pecking order following Matt Turner’s arrival this summer.
That has sparked Fulham into action as they attempt to bring him across the capital to West London following their return to the Premier League.
Talks have been ongoing between the two clubs over a potential transfer deal for weeks.
The Gunners have been demanding £10m for Leno – however a fresh report from the Evening Standard states a fee worth around £8m could be struck.
Leno and his family are happy in London and want to stay there with a top-flight club.
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He is also desperate to secure his place in Germany’s World Cup squad for Qatar – something he knows is at risk if he stays playing back-up at the Emirates.
Fulham have made signing a new goalkeeper a priority this summer.
And Leno has emerged as their preferred option, although there have been various reports of the haggling involved in the negotiations.
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs tweeted: “On Bernd Leno to Fulham, still gridlock. As per CBS’s @jamesbenge Fulham tried for a £7+3m offer, which they felt was strong given Leno’s contract is winding down.
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“Leno wants the move and has encouraged Arsenal to lower their asking price. #AFC want at least £15m all-in.
“No movement yet, but it’s clear Leno wishes to leave. Arsenal looking for appearance-related and survival add ons on top of a pretty big fee. Fulham (and Leno) remain surprised at the asking price. Move still possible but no progress yet.”
Leno arrived at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2018 and has made over 100 appearances in the Premier League for them.