Bernd Leno is reportedly considering a move back to the Bundesliga from Arsenal.
The German stopper was brought to the club from Bayer Leverkusen under Unai Emery’s stewardship but his services have not been so highly valued by current manager, Mikel Arteta, who has installed Aaron Ramsdale as his first choice between sticks.
The 30-year-old has less than 18 months left on his contract and his position potentially has come under further threat with the signing of Matt Turner from Major League outfit, New England Revolution.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s match against Crystal Palace, Arteta said: “What you want to have is in every position players that are reliable and can perform, whether they've been playing recently or not.
"In the goalkeeping position it's no different, that is why we bought Aaron, to get the standards higher, to bring different qualities, different ways of understanding and acting during matches, and different experiences.”
Ramsdale has been absent with a hip injury and despite some spirited performances from Leno in recent weeks, they may not have been enough to get him the nod from the manager.
Arteta added: “This is football, it’s not an individual sport. It’s never easy to accept for a player who is used to playing.
“I have a lot of sympathy with every player who doesn't play and doesn't get the chances they probably deserve - but unfortunately that's the game.”
Leno had been linked with a loan move to Newcastle United in the January transfer window but rejected that approach.
Reports suggest that he is keen to return back to his homeland with Leverkusen a favoured option and the Gunners would be prepared to let him go back for significantly less than what they paid for him in 2018.
The ‘Werksel’ sit third in the Bundesliga but have conceded one of the highest numbers of goals in the top dozen of that division.
That said, such a move would not necessarily guarantee the player first call on the gloves. Finnish goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky, is the current captain at the club though his existing contract will run out in 2023.
