Bernd Leno's agent Joannis Koukoutrigas has confirmed that Fulham are 'trying hard' to sign his client from Arsenal.
Leno lost his place as the Gunners' first-choice keeper last season as Aaron Ramsdale consolidated his position between the sticks. Plus, Edu has already agreed a move for New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner, who has revealed when he will be officially signing for the club.
The American shot-stopper will take part in half of the MLS campaign before travelling to north London later this month, becoming the Gunners' first signing of the summer transfer window.
READ MORE: Arsenal dealt major transfer blow as £70m-rated target 'rejects' advances
Turner's arrival means that Leno is surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium. The Athletic reported over the weekend that Fulham are in talks to sign the German, who wants to stay in London.
Now, Koukoutrigas has confirmed that said reports are in fact true, whilst he also stated that Leno deserves to be Arsenal's No 1 ahead of Ramsdale. Speaking to German outlet BILD, via the Evening Standard, he said: "He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player.
"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."
Leno would be Fulham’s first signing of the summer, while they have already sold Fabio Carvalho to Liverpool and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has joined Napoli. With Arsenal keen to sell, and as he has just one-year left on his contract, a purchase is a very real possibility.
Although Arsenal's demands aren't yet clear, the Gunners look set for an early windfall - money that can be re-invested in the squad as Mikel Arteta continues his rebuild project at the Emirates.
