Bernd Leno has conceded 35 goals and kept nine clean sheets in 31 league matches this season for Arsenal.
The goalkeeper’s error against Everton saw the Gunners suffer a 1-0 defeat last Friday, and the latest loss has ended all their hopes [if there was any] of finishing in the top four this season.
Mikel Arteta dropped Leno against Fulham, only for him to recall the German for the clash against the Toffees.
The north London club’s manager isn’t convinced with Leno and is now looking at La Liga for a new keeper.
That’s according to La Razón, who say the Premier League side ‘want to take’ Unai Simón. The report further adds Arteta has ‘asked’ his employer to make efforts to sign the Athletic Club Bilbao custodian in the next market.
Arteta made a similar request last summer for Thomas Partey’s signing from Atlético Madrid, which is why the English club paid the midfielder’s €50m release clause in October 2020.
The Spain international extended his contract with the Basque club until 2025 and the current deal doesn’t have a termination clause. Therefore, the keeper’s signing is ‘very complicated’ for Arsenal.
La Razón explain Bilbao ‘see with good eyes’ sanctioning Simón’s sale as that will help them earn money in the process. In the event the 23-year-old leaves the club, Levante’s Aitor Fernández has been identified as his potential replacement.
This would give hope for Arsenal to sign Simón, provided they have a keen interest in acquiring his services.
