‎Bayern Munich eye former Arsenal star as perfect Manuel Neuer’s heir 

‎Bayern Munich are reportedly stepping up their efforts to secure a long-term succession plan for Manuel Neuer, with a former Arsenal star emerging as a shock candidate.

‎Neuer penned a one-year contract extension at Bayern Munich in May, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2027.

‎While the 40-year-old has yet to declare whether this will be his final professional season, Bayern are looking ahead and seeking a perfect replacement.

‎23-year-old Jonas Urbig has been earmarked as Neuer’s natural successor at the Allianz Arena, but Bayern are considering bringing in an ideal deputy.

‎According to German publication Bild, Bayern are monitoring Fulham’s Bernd Leno as the club’s hierarchy view the 34-year-old as an ideal and reliable deputy.

‎The Bundesliga giant can make their move for Leno in the summer of 2027.

Bernd Leno of Fulham has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. (Photo by Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

‎According to report, Leno who is tied to the Cottagers until June of that year with an option for a further 12 months, would favor a return to his homeland.

‎Leno would have no problem adjusting to German football, having firmly established himself at Bayer Leverkusen. 

‎A product of Stuttgart’s academy, he joined Leverkusen in 2011 and quickly became a pivotal figure at the BayArena. Across over 300 appearances for the club, he registered 99 clean sheets.

‎He Leverkusen to join Arsenal in 2018 but things didn’t work out. The arrival of Aaron Ramsdale in 2021 saw Leno depart north London with 35 clean sheets in 125 games.