Fulham are expressing a keen interest in the signature of an out-of-favour member of London rivals Arsenal’s first-team setup, according to reports.
The player in the sights of the Cottagers? Bernd Leno.
As per a report from the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, those in a position of power at Craven Cottage have gone as far as to open initial discussions with their Arsenal counterparts over the possibility of striking a deal.
This comes with German international Leno having been identified as the club’s first-choice target between the posts, ahead of their latest Premier League return.
In a boost to Fulham’s hopes of landing the experienced 30-year-old, it is understood that Leno himself is keen on the prospect of remaining in London through the summer and beyond.
In turn, with just a year remaining on his contract at the Emirates, a cut-price transfer could well be on the cards.
Leno of course surrendered his no.1 status at Arsenal to summer arrival Aaron Ramsdale last season, en route to just four league starts across the length of the campaign.
🚨 EXCL: Fulham in talks to sign goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Arsenal. 30yo among #FFC options + currently favoured candidate but nothing agreed. Has 1y on contract & keen to stay in London. #AFC have Ramsdale, Turner, Hein. W/ @gunnerblog for @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/XkWakC9g20
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 11, 2022
Forest keen
Leno, though, is not the only member of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad understood to be in the sights of a Premier League newcomer ahead of next season.
This comes with Nottingham Forest also widely reported to be expressing an interest in the services of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
AMN, fresh off something of a disappointing loan stint in Italy with AS Roma over the last six months, is expected to be made available for a permanent Emirates departure for the right price this summer.
Arsenal outcast Maitland-Niles wanted by Nottingham Forest after Roma loan movehttps://t.co/ETvweZGH0D
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) June 11, 2022
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