Newcastle United are interested in signing Bernd Leno from Arsenal this month, according to reports.
That's what 90Min are reporting, with the Magpies wanting to sign the Germany international on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy expected to be included in the contract.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper, who is valued at £14.4million on Transfermarkt, has just 18 months remaining on his contract with the Gunners and is expected to leave either this month or when the season concludes.
Leno is now Arsenal's No. 2 goalkeeper, with the form of Aaron Ramsdale making him virtually undroppable in between the posts.
Ramsdale made his Premier League debut in Arsenal's 1-0 win against Norwich City at the start of September after sitting on the bench in the opening three matches of the 2021/22 campaign - all of which resulted in the Gunners losing.
Leno has not played in the Premier League since being dropped for his team-mate, with the German's four appearances for his club since all coming in the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup.
What has Leno said?
The former Bayer Leverkusen shot-stopper opened up on his future at Arsenal last year and admitted he was "open to everything", when speaking to Goal.
"Not yet (opened talks over a new contract) and at the moment, it's not the time to speak about the future. I know that I still have two years left on my contract and I'm also 29. For a goalkeeper, that's not too old. I've still got some years to go.
"I am very happy at the club. I do not know what will come in the future, but I am open to everything. Maybe for a new adventure or to stay at Arsenal.
"Like I said, I do not think about my future because two years is a long time. At the moment, there are no conversations with the club or anyone else."
What does this mean for Arsenal?
If Arsenal can get anywhere near his £14.4m value, then the club will be delighted. What the Gunners will not want to do is still have Leno at the club for the start of next season, meaning his value will have plummeted.
At the moment, football.london understands that Arsenal are pursuing a deal for Dusan Vlahovic, who is expected to cost in excess of of £60m.
However, if Fiorentina do keep hold of the Serbian forward, then it may be one to revisit in the summer, meaning a fee for Leno's services could prove to be very useful for the north Londoners.
