If the first part of Arsenal's summer transfer window was to focus on incomings, it's safe to say it was a success, with as many as four deals completed for Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Gabriel Jesus.
Now, as the start of the 2022/23 season is fast approaching and with just under eight weeks until transfer deadline day, the next mission - as well as continuing to bolster the first-team squad - could be overseeing departures, with many senior and academy players expected to leave either on loan or permanently.
As things currently stand, Alexandre Lacazette is the most high-profile Arsenal exit so far this summer, having been allowed to become a free agent when his contract expired at the end of last month. Meanwhile, Matteo Guendouzi and Konstantinos Mavropanos' moves to Marseille and Stuttgart, respectively, have also been made permanent after loan spells last season.
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But is a fourth first-team summer exit imminent? Well, this could very well be the case if recent rumours are to be believed as West London Sport have claimed that newly-promoted Fulham are looking to tie up a deal for Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno. In addition, the report states that an agreement appears to be 'close'.
This link should come as no surprise as the 30-year-old's agent, Joannis Koukoutrigas, previously confirmed the Cottagers' interest in his client: "He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player," Koukoutrigas told German outlet BILD, via the Evening Standard. "For me personally, Bernd is also the clear No.1 at Arsenal. With all due respect to the competitors.
"Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status. But, as I said, for me he is the No.1 at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed."
Currently in Germany for Arsenal's pre-season training camp, it will be interesting to see what decision Mikel Arteta makes for the friendly against Nurnberg on Friday afternoon. If he names Leno in the starting line-up, it may turn out to be the keeper's farewell appearance for the club.
Although starting him might be a risk as an injury could end any chance of leaving this summer. As a result, should Leno be left out completely it's likely to be the biggest indicator as to where his immediate future lies, as a move to Craven Cottage could be imminent as soon as he returns to the UK.
Furthermore, with Turner, Alex Runarsson and Arthur Okonkwo also out in Germany, Arteta is pretty much spoilt for choice in the goalkeeping department, so he can effectively name two separate sides without including Leno.
Regular first-team football next season will be the aim for him as he bids to avoid missing out on a place in Germany's World Cup squad in Qatar later this year. He was the Gunners' no.1 at the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign but was quickly replaced by Aaron Ramsdale and found opportunities few and far between from September onwards.
There was talk of an exit in the January transfer window amid links to Newcastle United and a few Bundesliga clubs, but ultimately he decided to stay put. Although, following the arrival of Turner, who is expected to slot in as Arsenal's No. 2 goalkeeper providing competition for Ramsdale next season, the path has been cleared for Leno to seal a move away from the Emirates Stadium.
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