Reports from Germany indicate Arsenal are ready to pay Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s buyout clause.

The Bundesliga ace, 26, is under contract until 2020, with a release clause believed to be in the margin of around £25 million.

The Gunners were linked to the German ‘keeper – who has six caps – in the summer, however no official approach was made.

Leno has spent seven years at Leverkusen, with sources claiming a move to Europe would optimise his chances in the national team according to German newspaper Bild.

With Arsenal keepers David Ospina and Petr Cech out of contract next year there is a pressing need for cover.

However, according to Bild, Napoli and Liverpool are also interested in German international who is tipped make the plane to Russia this summer with the World Champions.