Arsenal writer Charles Watts has claimed that Mikel Arteta will not allow Bernd Leno to leave in the upcoming January transfer market.
At the start of the season, the German seemed to very much be the number-one choice for the Gunners. Indeed, he started all three of his side’s opening Premier League games.
However, with the club losing every one of those matches, Arteta opted to make a change. Summer signing Aaron Ramsdale was given a chance, which he duly took, as he’s played in every league outing since, losing just once.
Due to the situation, there has been some talk about an exit, with Alan Smith claiming Leno will be ‘desperate to leave’. Despite this, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts has suggested an exit will not likely happen this winter.
He said: “Bernd Leno understandably won’t be very happy in his situation at the moment playing No 2, but I can’t see any way that Arsenal will entertain letting Bernd Leno go in January. It’s just not going to happen.
“They’re going to expect him to stick around and be a valuable understudy to Aaron Ramsdale. They wouldn’t want to be in a situation where they let Leno go and then Ramsdale gets injured and suddenly they’re screwed, basically.”
TIF Thoughts on Bernd Leno and Arsenal…
Since losing his spot to Ramsdale, Leno has played just twice, with both occasions coming in the League Cup. So as long as Arsenal remain in that competition and the FA Cup, he’ll likely get some minutes.
Will Bernd Leno get back into the Arsenal team?
Yes
No
Beyond those occasional outings, though, it doesn’t seem as if Arteta will drop Ramsdale any time soon. The former Bournemouth ‘keeper has been in inspired form of late – earning himself a first-ever England cap in the process.
Of course, if the 24-year-old was to get injured or suspended, this could open the door for Leno once more. Taking that risk into account, it does make sense for Arsenal to keep him around as backup just in case anything happens.
So, for now, it looks as if Leno will be staying in north London whether he likes it or not.
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