Bernd Leno is currently being linked with a summer move away from Arsenal, but the goalkeeper has become excited by the prospect of former team-mate and ‘good friend’ Julian Brandt arriving at the club.
The midfielder has fallen down the pecking order with the BVB this season, picking up less than 1500 Bundesliga minutes for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign despite remaining fit throughout.
Brandt could well be considering a move away from Dortmund after just two seasons with the club, with Arsenal reported to have shown an interest in his signature.
Bernd Leno appears to have been excited by the reports that his former team-mate at Bayer Leverkusen could be coming to North London, and made an attempt to contact Brandt on hearing the rumours.
While the shot-stopper has been linked with his own exit this summer, he admits that he would ‘be happy’ if he was joined at Arsenal by his former team-mate.
“I read the rumours with Arsenal and wrote him a few messages right away“, Leno told German television channel Sport1(via InsideFutbol).
“But I don’t really know if there is anything to it.
“In any case, I would be happy if he came.
“Jule is a good friend, we had a very good time at Leverkusen and privately we were often out for one or two beers.
“Maybe we can experience that again in the future.
“He’s also invited to my wedding, which unfortunately cannot take place this year.
“We will do that next year.“
Could Leno’s eagerness to see his friend arrive lead Arsenal to firm up their interest, in hope of not only landing a target, but whilst trying to persuade our number one to stay put this summer?
Patrick
I said elsewhere that I didn’t believe the exit rumors about Leno and Xhaka. Arteta has shown them too much loyalty to be betrayed by them. More so when there is still good time on their contracts that leaves the club in a good position to decide if they leave or not.
If you ask me, I want to see the duo in our squad next season. No matter what anybody says, those two have been some of our better performers in what has been a very difficult season
This is a brilliant idea. By using our own players networking we can attract all the best players.
Odegaard will lure Haarland. Willian and Martinelli will attract Alison Fabinho and Neymar while our French contingent will secure Pogba Mbape Varane and Arteta will bring in De Bruyne and Adama Traore while Stan Kroenke’s North Anerican connections will see Alphonso Davies arrive. Lastly Dennis Bergkamp will send VVD to captain our side .
Alisson
Traore Varane VVD Davies
Fabinho De Bruyne
Pogba Mbappe Neymar
Haarland.
🙂🙂🙂
WHAT A SHAME YOU CHOSE TO JOKE RATHER THAN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A SERIOUS POINT. One that just might have had some merit too.
I see no real possibility of LENO LEAVING THIS SUMMER. IF- which I much doubt – he left, we would not be able to afford a better keeper.
I agree we made a mistake in choosing to keep Leno rather than Martinez, but MARTINEZ DEMANDED TO BE FIRST CHOICE AND THAT WORKED AGAINST HIM STAYING . AND AS IT TURNED OUT, ALSO AGAINST US.
I agree with you regularly, but now I must admit that I disagree Jon.
I think its too shortsighted to say that we chose the wrong GK. Leno showed for many seasons that he is sollid. Lets not forget he was runner up for player of the year in 2020.
Yes, he is having a more difficult season this year and made some errors. But its also the way Arteta wants him to play out from the back. There is simply more risk that way. I also think that Martinez is letting in easy goals.
I still have faith in Leno and I think he is good enough to stick with him and put our funds elsewhere. Next season would be a better time to look for a long term replacement IMO.
Leno never excited me but he is ok. He doesn’t inspire confidence but is a good shot stopper. To me, and without looking at stats he might well be the weakest keeper of the top 6, but he is not a disaster yet. We have other priorities but if there is a time we can upgrade, we should.
Like many I would have chosen Martinez over Leno but no point crying over spilled milk.
But if Leno needs to be swayed to stay and play for us, I would say show him the door now.
I don’t know what people think of players wanting to sign for arsenal because a friend is already playing there. I’ve read the same about Berge saying he would join arsenal because Odegaard is there. Shouldn’t players want to play for a club irregardless of whose around already? To me, as good as they may be, these are players who will either leave when their buddy leaves or their performance may drop when their buddy leaves. Thoughts?