Arsenal are going through a purple patch after a difficult start to the season but all have not been rosy for their German custodian Bernd Leno. The Germany international has lost his position between the sticks to new signing Aaron Ramsdale and has confirmed that he may seek a January transfer away from the Emirates. Leno has revealed that Mikel Arteta has failed to give any clear reason for his dismissal.
Over the years, Leno has been exceptional for Arsenal. Even in high scoring matches, the German custodian has kept them in the game many times with some fantastic saves. He was considered as one of the best keepers in the Premier League not very long ago. But with Ramsdale’s arrival, Arteta simply downgraded him to the second spot.
Arsenal spent £24 million to lure Ramsdale away from Sheffield United in this summer transfer window as Arteta was impressed with the English youngster and he also wanted depth in that position. While a lot of people were confused about Ramsdale’s stance of being a backup keeper, the Spaniard made him the new No. 1 for the Gunners in no time. Ramsdale now is considered as the future whereas Leno has simply gone down in the pecking order with no clear reason.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man rightfully is not very happy with the situation. He has not received any such feedback as to why he was demoted from the starting eleven and that has raised his frustration levels.
“There was no clear reason why I was out, but it had nothing to do with my performance,” Leno told Sport Bild. “He is the trainer, he decides. Of course, it’s difficult for me.”
Reports suggest that the reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan are keeping close tabs on him. A move to Milan will allow him to be close to his family in Stuttgart. However the 29-year-old is determined to fight it out at the Emirates but if the situation does not change he will have to force his way out.
“London is very nice; Milan is not bad either and closer to my home Stuttgart,” he added. “I’m not seriously thinking about that yet. I feel comfortable at Arsenal and in London.
“Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things: what option do I have, how can I continue? I’m concentrating on my work in training; I can’t commit to anything else at the moment.”
