Leno’s Arsenal future D-Day marked out after Arteta ‘promise’
Bernd Leno’s future at Arsenal will become clearer this month after a promise Mikel Arteta reportedly made to the German goalkeeper.
The 29-year-old stopper was recently dropped by Mikel Arteta. Leno was on the bench for the 1-0 win over Norwich with new keeper Aaron Ramsdale taking his place.
And the former Sheffield United keeper put in an assured display and a clean sheet, which Arteta was more than happy with.
“I think he was terrific,” said Arteta. “It’s not only what he did on the technical side. It’s what he transmits, his energy, his chemistry with the backline, how he reacts, his body language – I think he was top.
“We have two fantastic goalkeepers. Never forget what Bernd has done for us and what a good goalkeeper he is.
“I had to make a decision and today I believed Aaron was the right one to do so. Like in any other position we have to decide and that’s what we decided today.
“I want to see how they perform. Now we need performances and we need to win football matches.
“Whoever gives the better performances, transmits better things and is more reliable is going to play.”
But Bild reporter Christian Falk claims that Arteta has ‘promised’ Leno he will have a break for two matches and then return.
Falk tweeted as much on Wednesday morning.
TRUE According to my information: Mikel Arteta promised that @Bernd_Leno will have just a break for two matches. So: Against @SpursOfficial Leno should be back on the pitch. We will see if Arteta keeps his word @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/YR7DvcaQ1Q
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) September 15, 2021
That means that Leno should miss out again this weekend against Burnley, before returning in the north London derby against Spurs.
Therefore Sunday, September 26 could be a pivotal day for Leno. Providing of course he is not restored to the starting line-up this weekend.
Leno’s future has been in the spotlight this summer.
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Leno contract
Football.london have claimed that Leno is desperate to play regular European football.
The Germany goalkeeper denied he was looking to move on earlier in the summer, but it’s believed if a suitable offer is lodged for him in January then Arsenal would allow him to move on.
That would most probably depend on them getting a replacement in too.
“I don’t want to flee here, I feel good and want to be successful again with Arsenal! Arsenal are a big club, which is extremely underestimated in Germany, there are many Arsenal fans all over the world,” he told Sport 1 in May.
“I still have a two-year contract and hope to play in the Champions League again with Arsenal.”
The Daily Mail claim a summer departure is more likely for Leno with Arsenal keen not to lose the keeper for free in 2023.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal comments labelled ‘utter rubbish’ by pundit
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