CBS’s James Benge had claimed that Arsenal have rejected a £10 million offer for Bernd Leno from Fulham but as per the latest updates, the Gunners seem to have backtracked on their decision.
Fulham are very keen to sign Leno and they had initially offered £7m up front with £3m in add-ons for the keeper. However, the Gunners were not interested in selling him for such an inferior fee.
Benge wrote on Twitter: “One detail to add in here, the offer that Arsenal rejected was £7m up front with £3m in add ons. Situation hasn’t particularly changed in last week since this report but worth bearing in mind that both clubs are motivated to do this transfer. It can change quickly.”
One detail to add in here, the offer that Arsenal rejected was £7m up front with £3m in add ons. Situation hasn’t particularly changed in last week since this report but worth bearing in mind that both clubs are motivated to do this transfer. It can change quickly. https://t.co/CmJwkWAWnX
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) July 24, 2022
Now, in a major twist of events, Arsenal seem to have lowered their demands and they are now willing to accept £8 million for Bernd Leno.
As per the Simon Collins of the Standard, Arsenal are now in talks with Fulham over a possible transfer for the keeper.
Bernd leno asks Arsenal to lower their asking price so he can move to Fulham
[@JacobsBen] pic.twitter.com/gGE72qiRPN
— Gunners Hub Africa (@GunersHubAfrica) July 25, 2022
Selling Bernd Leno for just £8m is bad business?
It was being claimed that Arsenal were adamant about not letting Bernd Leno leave for a bargain deal and they were valuing him around £11-15 million.
However, it seems like the keeper has grown frustrated because he is really keen to move out and join the Cottagers. There are whispers that he has personally requested an exit which is why the Gunners have decided to soften their stance.
£8 million is without a doubt a very meagre fee for someone who was signed for £22.5 million but Leno does have only one year left on his contract with Arsenal.
Also, the 30-year-old currently earns £100,000 per week so it makes sense to get rid of him and free up the wage bills. He played in only four Premier League games last season and because Mikel Arteta has already signed Matt Turner, he can afford to part ways with Bernd Leno, even if it is for just £8 million.