After completing the marquee signing of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund in January, Arsenal has added yet another star from the German league to their roster. He goes by the name Bernd Leno and he was the No. 1 goalkeeper for Bayer Leverkusen.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper excelled in the post for the German outfit over the years and made a total appearance of 230 in his seven seasons at the club. With Petr Cech nearing the end of his career and rumored to be in talks to join Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli, Leno’s signing could not have come at a better time for the North Londoners.
Speaking at the unveiling, the new head coach of the Gunners Unai Emery expressed his delight in the goalkeeper’s acquisition.
"We are very pleased that Bernd Leno will be joining us,” he said according to Arsenal’s official website.
"He is a goalkeeper of high quality and a regular number one with Leverkusen in the Bundesliga for the past seven years. We are all excited that Bernd has chosen Arsenal Football Club and I look forward to starting working with him in pre-season."
Welcome to Arsenal, @Bernd_Leno - we're delighted to have you here #HeyLeno pic.twitter.com/m4yT22I58V
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 19, 2018
The new boy also had a few words to say and was quick to thank the club’s management for making the decision to bring him to England.
"It feels very good to become a Gunner. I’m happy, I’m proud to sign for Arsenal. For me it’s a dream to play for Arsenal.
"I spoke to Unai Emery and he said that he believes I’m a good goalkeeper, and that he wanted me to join. For me it was clear that the club and the coach wanted to sign me, so I’m happy that all the people at the club said that I’m a good goalkeeper."
Leno's move is subject to completion although the long-term deal is rumored to have cost the Gunners a fee in the region of 19.3 million pounds. He follows Stephan Lichtsteiner as Arsenal's second summer signing.
