Arsenal are now a club in serious transition, as they have a change in manager for the first time in 20+ years. They have decided that Unai Emery is the right man to take them forward and the former PSG boss is now busy in the transfer market, adding players that fit into his system.
There are particular areas that Emery wants to improve on and one player they are set to land is Bernd Leno.
Having already signed Stephan Lichtsteiner and close to landing Lucas Torreira and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Arsenal also desperate to find a long-term replacement for Petr Cech, who was not at his best in the previous campaign.
The former Chelsea shot-stopper has turned 36 and might only be played in the cup games next season. He will act as a mentor for the new name under the sticks and it increasingly looks like Leno will be the man Arsenal will sign.
They have been working hard on a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen man and reports from Germany now suggest that they have finally agreed on a deal with the German giants to land the 26-year old. Also, David Ornstein of the BBC (one of the most reliable journalists on Arsenal) has confirmed that the deal between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen is done and only the medical is left.
A product of the Stuttgart Academy, Leno established himself in the top tier in Germany as a youngster, breaking into the Leverkusen first team in 2011. He has been the first choice for the club ever since, making 233 Bundesliga appearances and has been consistent enough to earn six international caps for his country.
He was overlooked for the squad fighting in Russia for the World Cup, but still remains one of the best shot-stoppers in Germany.
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Known for his reflexes and ability to throw himself around, Leno has time and again pulled out some marvellous saves for Leverkusen but has his own weaknesses. He is vulnerable against long shots but is generally a confident goalkeeper, happy to come off his line and smother the ball. He is also a decent handler and can set up counters from the back with decent distribution but what makes him effective is his experience at the highest level.
At just 26, he is one of the most established GKs in the major leagues in Europe and has a long career ahead of him. He may not be the best options available but if the reported fee of €25m is true, Arsenal have a decent option on goal for years to come.
