Arsenal: Bernd Leno the answer to safe hands problem

Arsenal is in the hunt for a new shot-stopper, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno fits the bill brilliantly. He would be an upgrade on what the club has.

Petr Cech is past it, everyone seems to realize this. As such, Arsenal is linked with a move for Germany international Bernd Leno. The Bayer Leverkusen shot-stopper has enjoyed a very fruitful season in the Bundesliga and, while very talented, is also promising, as growth is still yet to come.

Standing six foot three, German shot-stopper Bernd Leno is a force to be reckoned with in the Bayer Leverkusen goal. His saves and distribution show a mature yet promising goalkeeper, someone who commands his box and doesn’t hesitate in his decision making.

When compared to other shot-stoppers in the Bundesliga, Leno obviously stands out. He is only rivaled by Manuel Neuer and Ralph Fahrmann. His rise to prominence is something that would inspire Arsenal fans and players alike.

Related Story: 5 Reasons To Be Optimistic About Arteta Appointment

Sven Mislintat has really shaken up this club since his arrival. He is using his old contacts in Germany to scout the most promising players and get the best deals. Arsenal is also heavily linked with Greece international Sokratis Papasthatopoulos, for instance. Leno would be the icing on a very nice looking cake for fans. Mislintat has an outstanding scouting network, he knows which players could be good and other who will be good enough for top sides.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

A capable shot-stopper and confident with the ball at his feet, he could easily be the starting goalkeeper for years to come. Bernd Leno has played over two hundred games for Bayer Leverkusen since he joined them in 2011 from Stuttgart. Leno has since been called up to the German national team, where he has just under ten caps. Competition for the starting spot for the German national team is very fierce, with Marc-Andre Ter Stegan and Manuel Neuer both going to Russia this year.

Bernd Leno only conceded forty-nine goals last season for Bayer Leverkusen, compare that to Petr Cech who has only forty-eight. But when you look deeper Cech has six errors leading to goals this season, something that can’t happen if your team wants to challenge for silverware. Leno would be a huge upgrade on Petr Cech. Not only is he a better shot-stopper but he commands his box better. Mind you Cech is thirty-five, Leno is only twenty-six.

What Bernd Leno brings to Arsenal

If Arsenal wants to challenge for silverware next season they have to buy upgrades on the players they already have. Consistently buying “bench” players won’t help the team, the club needs regular starters, With Bernd Leno, you get a bonafide starter.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Huddersfield

He could be the starter for a decade, something you wouldn’t get out of many top quality keepers nowadays, as they’re aging like fine wine.