Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has confirmed he may well look for a new challenge when his contract with the Gunners expires.
The 29-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal, and the shot-stopper says he has not held talks over an extension, suggesting he may be open to a move away from the Emirates:
“I am very happy at the club, I don’t know what will come in the future. But I am open to everything. Maybe for a new adventure or to stay at Arsenal. Like I said, at the moment I don’t think about my future because two years is still a long time. At the moment there are no conversations with the club or something else.”
Fans on Twitter were not particularly impressed with Leno’s comments, with some more frustrated by the fact that Emi Martinez, who would have been a perfect replacement, was let go last summer:
We sold Martinez for him, he better stay
— Jones Walker ❤??? (@Arsenalfanman2) April 15, 2021
Wants to leave by the sound of it, doesn’t believe in process I think
— Tommy (@topcatgooner) April 15, 2021
Let him go this summer. We need a safer pair of hands!
— amabdelwahab (@amabdelwahab1) April 15, 2021
Martinez sold for him, this brother is staying no matter what
— Siddharth Varma ?⚪️ (@areyousid) April 15, 2021
My guy is dying to leave.
— . (@Lifeisourjoke) April 15, 2021
So we sold Martinez to keep our faith in him and he says this… this club is in shambles
— M1 (@M12splashy) April 15, 2021
I’m furious at Arteta as well at Leno for that!? everyone (execpt Arteta) could see we let the best keeper go, loyalty was shown to Leno for what ever reason and now he does that?! FFS!?
— Kim SAND (@KimSAND1) April 15, 2021
Hahaha and we let a better keeper leave hu just wanted games. For him to say this
— King in the North ‼ (@Feel_My_triceps) April 15, 2021
It’s probably best not to read too much into the comments. The fact that no talks have taken place so far means the German international is clearly wondering whether the Gunners want to keep him or not.
The London club are notoriously slow when negotiating new deals, with discussions with players generally being left until they have just one year left to go on their contracts.