Leno's future thrown into doubt as Arsenal boss Arteta makes Ramsdale decision

Word stemming from the English media on Monday evening suggests that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made an altogether significant decision when it comes to his goalkeeping options.

Ramsdale arrives

The situation between the posts has of course proven a major talking point on the red half of North London over recent months.

This comes with those in a position of power at the Emirates having come to the decision to reinforce the club's shot-stopper ranks during the recently-shut summer transfer window.

Despite fan concerns regarding the price-tag involved, the Gunners opted to splash out a considerable £24 million, plus bonuses, to lure Aaron Ramsdale to the capital from Sheffield United.

Such a move, in turn, put immediate pressure on the shoulders of Bernd Leno.

German international Leno, undisputed Arsenal no.1 across the last three seasons, endured an altogether underwhelming campaign last time out, which saw the 29-year-old come in for regular criticism from supporters and the media alike.

Nevertheless, the opening weeks of the new term saw Mikel Arteta stand by his long-time first-choice, across Premier League meetings with all of Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Leno on the move?

The situation, however, took a considerable turn this past weekend.

A meeting with Norwich City at the Emirates saw Ramsdale preferred between the posts for the hosts, with the Englishman, in turn, having gone on to reward his boss with the Gunners' first clean sheet, and three points, of the Premier League season.

And, as outlined above, if the latest word circulating in the media on Monday night is anything to go by, then it appears that Ramsdale's efforts on Saturday proved telling.

As per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, following his latest display, the ex-Blades standout is 'now expected to keep his place in the team'.

This decision on the part of Arteta also means that the future of Bernd Leno has been immediately thrown up in the air, with the hierarchy in North London 'contemplating selling the goalkeeper next summer'.

With Leno's contract at the Emirates due to expire in the summer of 2023, Arsenal are well aware that next summer's window may mark their final opportunity to secure a decent return for his services.

As a result, though a January departure has been ruled out, Leno being moved on before the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign is beginning to look increasingly likely.