Reported Newcastle target Bernd Leno comes in clutch on rare outing for Arsenal

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Newcastle United fans may have caught Saturday’s game between Arsenal and Aston Villa, in which Bernd Leno got a rare chance to play for the Gunners.

The German stopper has found minutes to hard come by this season due to the form of Aaron Ramsdale.

Leno has made just eight appearances in total.

And yesterday was his first Premier League appearance for the club since August.

He was replacing Ramsdale who has suffered a hip injury – and the former Bayer Leverkusen star put in an assured performance between the sticks.

Leno made one fine save from a Philippe Coutinho free-kick in stoppage time.

After the game, Bukayo Saka – who got the game’s only goal – heaped praise on Leno. He said (via Arsenal Media): “Big, big credit to him, he still trains every day.

“He’s still a top, top ‘keeper and he came in and looked as normal, as his special self and got us the clean sheet today.”

Leno was linked with a loan move to Newcastle in January.

90min had claimed the Magpies had held talks with the player about a possible move with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Ultimately though, Newcastle made no move for a new goalkeeper, sticking with Martin Dubravka.

This summer, it is very possible Newcastle could try to bring in a new stopper, with Dubravka now 33.

Encouraging display from Leno for Arsenal, following Newcastle links

It wasn’t a particularly busy afternoon for Leno, but he ultimately ensured Arsenal got three points yesterday.

He got a solid palm on Coutinho’s free-kick, with the full-time whistle blowing seconds later. It was a vital contribution and you could see how the Arsenal players felt about it.

It will be interesting to see if Newcastle do look to make a move for Leno this summer.

He is still a good goalkeeper. It’s just that Ramsdale has come in for Arsenal and been excellent which is unfortunate for Leno.

It’s just whether Newcastle officials feel he is an upgrade on Dubravka. For the right price, he could make for a strong addition for the club this summer.