THE ATHLETIC’S ARSENAL CORRESPONDENT, JAMES MCNICHOLAS, PROVIDES SOME INSIGHT AS TO WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM OUR NEW SHOT-STOPPER, BERND LENO.
What are your overall impressions of Bernd Leno’s transfer from Arsenal to Fulham?
I think Fulham have got themselves a bargain. Bernd is a highly experienced, quality goalkeeper — a German international, no less. Arsenal were in a very strong position last season, having both Leno and Aaron Ramsdale on the books. Ultimately, keeping two goalkeepers of that calibre happy is not particularly sustainable. It was inevitable that Leno would want to go and play more minutes elsewhere — and staying in London and the Premier League makes Fulham an attractive move.
How would you describe him as a goalkeeper?
First and foremost, he’s an outstanding shot-stopper. Even in his limited Premier League opportunities last season, he made one particularly memorable save to deny Romelu Lukaku. He’s a great professional too, who remained focused and supportive despite his demotion.
He seemed to have a good relationship with the Arsenal fans…
He did. He certainly shone in his first couple of seasons at Arsenal — but that was partly a consequence of a porous defence. I think the fans appreciated the class and professionalism with which he accepted Arteta’s decision to install Ramsdale as number one — and when he stepped in due to injury against Aston Villa during the run-in, he produced a clean sheet, including a good stoppage time save. At full-time, the Arsenal players all mobbed Leno, which shows the stock in which he continued to be held.
The Fulham fans are very excited about him – just how good a signing is Bernd for us?
Leno is an international class goalkeeper. I can’t think of many better goalkeepers available on the summer market — and certainly not at that price.
Do you think he will be a good fit in the team?
The goalkeeper is a key piece in any team. I think, with his experience at Premier League level, Leno has a chance to be a leader and influential figure in the Fulham squad.
What’s he like as a person?
He is not a big character in the way Ramsdale is. He’s very confident, though, quietly assured. He knows his talent and his worth, and his preparation is outstanding.
How much of a motivator do you think making the Germany World Cup squad is?
It’s a factor. I think Leno might have been willing to stay at Arsenal and continue to fight for his place, but the club’s acquisition of American international Matt Turner made it clear they deemed Leno surplus to requirements.
How do you think Bernd, and Fulham, will get on this season?
Personally, I hope they stay up: it will benefit Bernd, Arsenal might make a bit more on the fee, and it will keep one of the Premier League’s nicest away days in the top flight!
