Arsenal should think twice before selling Leno, warns former shot-stopper
Stefan Bienkowski
- 25 Jun 2021 15:01 BST
- 5 min read
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger believes the London club should think carefully before letting Bernd Leno leave this summer.
The German shot-stopper made the move to England in 2018 when Arsenal signed him from Bayer Leverkusen for £22.5 million.
And while Leno has impressed for the Gunners on a number of occasions, fans have begun to wonder whether a better keeper between the posts would help their chances of breaking into the top four.
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With a contract at the club until 2023, Leno could fetch Arsenal a decent price in the summer transfer window if a buyer can be found.
However, Manninger, who won the domestic double with the North London club in 1998, believes Arsenal need to consider whether they can find a better keeper before they sell Leno to the highest bidder.
“Leno is definitely one of those modern goalkeepers in European football,” Manninger told The Italian Football Podcast.
“He is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
- Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger“Arsenal made a great deal when they signed him three years ago and I think he has given a lot back.
“I think he is definitely a goalkeeper worthy of being in the Arsenal team but if Arsenal want to change him, then the big question is who do they get that is better than him?
“He is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League. I would be surprised if they let him go but for me he is a very complete goalkeeper. I like to watch him.”
Who could Arsenal sign to replace Leno in goals?
One player who seems to be continuously linked with a move to Arsenal this summer is Ajax goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
The shot-stopper was handed a 12-month ban in February by UEFA after testing positive for Furosemide, a banned substance.
However, the keeper is awaiting news of an appeal and will be available to train with a club after September 4.
And while Manninger believes Leno should remain Arsenal’s No.1, he’s also a big fan of Onana too.
“ He is young, I’ve watched him. He is another young modern goalkeeper who could take Arsenal to the next level.
“But Arsenal have to be careful because when you replace a goalkeeper you have to make sure you replace him with someone better. Bernd Leno is not 40, he can still give Arsenal three or four more years.”
