Arsenal make Bernd Leno January transfer decision | OneFootball

Arsenal currently have no intention of letting Bernd Leno leave in the January transfer window, even though he’s lost his place under Mikel Arteta.

ESP: Villarreal CF – Arsenal FC. UEFA Europa League, Semifinal Bernd Leno of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Europa League match, Semifinal, between Villarreal CF and Arsenal FC played at La Ceramica Stadium on April 29, 2021. Copyright: Sergio Ruiz

Despite previous reports suggesting that Bernd Leno is unlikely to remain at Arsenal for the long term, The Athletic write that they don’t intend to allow Leno to leave the club in the January transfer window.

Arsenal expect him to continue to compete with Aaron Ramsdale for the number one shirt for the remainder of the season.

Leno has reportedly responded well to his demotion to cup goalkeeper, maintaining a positive attitude, but The Athletic rightly point out that there’s some pressure on him to play with the World Cup coming up.

The German goalkeeper has been a regular feature in his national team’s squads, but usually as the third-choice goalkeeper.

That puts him on the brink, and the most likely to be replaced if anyone else has a good run of form while he sits on the bench for Arsenal.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after his sides victory in the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal at The King Power Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

We still have the summer transfer window to come before the World Cup, given the tournament’s delay to November 2022.

If things really aren’t working out for Leno at Arsenal by May, he could always then move on in the summer. He’d still have a few months to impress his national team with his new club.

But whether Leno wants to leave in January or not, it seems Mikel Arteta is keen to keep him around. You can’t exactly blame the Arsenal boss, given it’s obviously preferable to have two strong goalkeepers if you can.

If Arsenal remain in the cup competitions, Leno will have at least a few more games to play around the turn of the year and beyond.

After he was injured for the Gunners’ last FA Cup win, the goalkeeper has the chance to help Arsenal back to Wembley this season. That’s if he doesn’t win back his Premier League spot before then.