Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno agrees personal terms with Fulham

Second-choice Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has reportedly sealed a verbal agreement with Fulham to join them on a three-year contract.

Per Florian Plettenberg, the German shot-stopper has green-lighted the move, but the Cottagers now have to convince the Gunners to sanction it.

Fulham have named the 30-year-old their number one target, yet striking a deal with Mikel Arteta’s side could prove tricky.

Even though Leno has tumbled down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, the Londoners demand around £10-11m to let go of him.

Leno spent last season playing understudy to Aaron Ramsdale, and it is understandable that he wants to leave Arsenal for regular first-team football.

In the World Cup year, the former Bayer Leverkusen man cannot afford to stay on the bench, which is why he has already given his blessing to Fulham.

He has already accepted a three-year contract at Craven Cottage with an option to extend it for a further year, making it easy for Marco Silva’s team to proceed with negotiations.

Fulham heavily relied on Slovakian keeper Marek Rodak last season to help them return to the Premier League.

However, they are now keen to improve their ranks and avoid another swift relegation, with Leno emerging as their prefered candidate.

Despite Arsenal’s desire to continue with Ramsdale as their number one choice, they are holding out for their valuation.

But since Fulham already have the player’s consent, there is a feeling the deal should soon go through.

The move should not only help Leno regain regular first-team action but won’t force him to settle in new surroundings.

He has spent the last four years in London, and a potential switch to Craven Cottage would benefit his personal life.