Arsenal to sign Leverkusen's Leno

Arsenal are very close to finalising a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The club are looking for a replacement for veteran Petr Cech and Bernd Leno, valued at £20 million is the first name on Arsenal's shortlist.

Petr Cech, who turned 36 last month has been nowhere near his best for the last two seasons and it was necessary for Arsenal to find a replacement for the legendary goalkeeper. There were talks of Arsenal's interest in Jack Butland, but Sven Mislintat, Arsenal's head of recruitment sees Leno as a much better option.

Leno, who has been Leverkusen's first choice for a long time, has 233 appearances for the club and is one of the most experienced keepers in the Bundesliga. The 26 year old has kept 45 clean sheets since 2014. Only Manuel Neuer (56) has more in the Bundesliga. So, it does look like Arsenal are getting themselves a really good keeper.

However, there has been a massive dip in Leno's form since the 2015 campaign. His performances have also seen him now being dropped from the German team playing in the World Cup. However, most Bundesliga regulars believe that it is just about form and not ability with Leno and if he manages to get anywhere near to that 2014/15 Bernd Leno that the world saw, it will be a very good signing for Arsenal.