Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno appears to be closing in on a move to Fulham this summer as the German seeks out first-team football ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Aaron Ramsdale was signed from Sheffield United last summer with a view to challenging Leno for the number one spot at the Emirates. But instead, the England international left the 30-year-old in his wake, becoming Mikel Arteta's firm favourite in north London.
Leno arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2018 from Bayer Leverkusen and spent most of that time as the Gunners' first-choice shot-stopper. But having entered the final year of his contract, the club are open to letting him, and according to West London Sport, Fulham are closing in on a deal for him.
READ MORE: Arsenal ‘bypassed’ Tottenham signing Yves Bissouma to land dream transfer Youri Tielemans
It is perhaps not a surprise to see Leno moving towards the exit door. Last season he spoke of his disappointment at being displaced by Ramsdale and hinted that he would pursue first-team football.
"It was a setback and a bitter moment," the Germany international told Spox via Goal. "But that's sport. You have to accept that. It wasn't easy, but I couldn't feel sorry for myself. I wanted to attack again immediately. I don't want to say I was a pawn, but when the results aren't right, sometimes things happen quickly in football.
"The coach wanted to set a new impulse - and then the [improved] results came. That was bitter for me because I had held up well before that. I had never experienced anything like that in my career before. But I looked ahead. My ambition is to always play, I know what I can do. I'm not 20 anymore, where I could say: 'I still have time'."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal ‘bypassed’ Tottenham signing Yves Bissouma to land dream transfer Youri Tielemans
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Lisandro Martinez 'keen' on Mikel Arteta's project amid Arsenal and Man United transfer links
Hale End star sends farewell message after Arsenal transfer confirmed
