Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has become the subject of interest from Portuguese side Benfica ahead of a potential move this summer, according to a report.
Following the purchase of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United last summer, Leno found his playing time with the Gunners severely restricted in the 2021-22 campaign.
The 30-year-old managed to rack up just eight appearances for Mikel Arteta's side across all competitions, four of which came in the Premier League.
With the impending arrival of Matt Turner from MLS side New England Revolution in the coming weeks, Leno has been deemed surplus to requirements according to The Sun.
The report suggests that Benfica possess a strong interest in bringing the German to the Primeira Liga ahead of the 2022-23 season, but that the current £8.5m price tag is proving to be a stumbling block as things stand.
Leno could be one of several fringe players leaving the Emirates Stadium in the coming weeks, as Arteta looks to boost his transfer budget after missing out on Champions League football.
Having made the move to Arsenal for around £22.5m from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018, Leno has gone on to make 125 appearances for the North-London side during his four-year stay so far.
Matthew Tranter
