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Football London
Football London
Sport
Lewis Pangratiou

How Mikel Arteta's latest transfer decision could impact Arsenal and Edu's January strategy

Mikel Arteta has no intention of letting Bernd Leno leave in January, according to the latest reports.

The German lost his place in the Gunners' starting XI in September following a string of poor performances in August.

Although it was also a reflection of how badly Arsenal were playing early on in the season, Arteta's side ended the month as the Premier League's bottom placed team.

The Spaniard decided to change things in September and that rotation meant that Aaron Ramsdale came into replace Leno, who hasn't played a league game since.

After a number of incredible performances, Ramsdale has solidified his place as Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper, which has meant that Leno's future is very much a hot topic of conversation.

It's believed that the 29-year-old plans to leave north London before the end of his contract in 2023, but reports had suggested that the Gunners were willing to cash in on him early in January.

However, as per The Athletic, Arteta has no intention of letting him leave in January, despite the German's ambition to make his country's 2022 World Cup squad.

Have your say on what Arsenal should do in the January transfer window below

If the report is in fact true, it suggests that a move for a competitive number two in January is unlikely.

Arsenal have been linked to several goalkeepers in the past, with the likes of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana said to be keen on moving on from his current club.

However, a player of that calibre isn't going to want to be sitting in the stands as a third-choice option.

Leno will undoubtedly want more game time in the coming months and his situation is a difficult one to manage, but if Arteta's staying firm on his decision, the German will have to try and fight for his place at the Emirates.

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