PSV Eindhoven are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, with Mikel Arteta also keen on landing the Dutch side’s star attacker in Netherlands international Cody Gakpo.
According to Kicker, the Eredivisie side have joined the race for the German international, with Leno expected to leave Arsenal this summer following the rise of Aaron Ramsdale as the Gunners’ starting goalkeeper and the recent arrival of USA star Matt Turner, who is set to take the role as back-up next season.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup just five months away, Leno is keen to win his seat on the plane Qatar, meaning that a summer move is almost certain for the 30-year-old goalkeeper, with PSV now interested in signing the former Bayer Leverkusen star.
Fulham are also reportedly interested in signing Leno with Newcastle United also linked to the Arsenal star, though with the Magpies recently signing England international Nick Pope, it is likely that Eddie Howe’s side are now out of the competition to land the north London shot-stopper.
Indeed, PSV’s interest could be of note for Arsenal and for Arteta, with the Gunners’ manager reportedly interested in signing Gakpo from the Dutch side. The winger was exceptional last season and even took the captain’s armband for some parts of the campaign, with the youngster valued at a reported £35m.
Swap deals are rare in football, doubly so amongst Premier League sides, yet PSV’s new reported interest in Leno could kill two birds with one stone for Arsenal if they are to step up their interest in Gakpo, who could be a brilliant signing and a smart alternative to Raphinha if that deal falls through.
Despite Arsenal’s options, a winger is clearly on Arteta’s agenda this summer, and with a deal for Raphinha taking its time, the Gunners boss could change tact and instead target Gakpo and use Leno as leverage in a potential transfer.
