Arsenal identify Bundesliga shot-stopper as leading contender to replace Petr Cech

Arsenal have reportedly earmarked Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno as the prime option to hand the goalkeeping duties in the Premier League.

Petr Cech, 35, has been inconsistent with his showing over the past 18 months, and the club are aiming to pursue a younger recruit to take over the number one role from the veteran.

According to The Sun, the Gunners are looking into an approach for Leno, who has previously talked up the opportunity of plying his trade in a foreign league.

The 26-year-old has spent nearly seven seasons with Leverkusen, but it appears that he could be offered a fresh challenge during the summer with Napoli also credited with an interest in his signature.

Despite this, Arsenal are supposedly leading the race as they are willing to pay the player's £25m valuation in full, unlike Napoli, who are reluctant to offer more than £15m.

Cech recently became the first Premier League player to achieve 200 clean sheets. He could potentially play the back-up role next term, considering David Ospina is likely to pursue fresh pastures elsewhere.