Bernd Leno says Shkodran Mustafi always spoke highly of Arsenal, the Premier League and London, helping to convince the goalkeeper to join.

Bernd Leno of Arsenal applauds fans following his sides victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bernd Leno of Arsenal applauds fans following his side’s victory on March 07, 2020. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Speaking in a Reddit AMA on Thursday, the German goalkeeper answered a number of questions from Arsenal fans. One was about his transfer to the club, and Leno admitted Shkodran Mustafi played a part.

“When I was in talks with Arsenal, you don’t speak to other players because they shouldn’t know about rumours,” Leno began. “But I knew Musti from the national team and I spoke to him many times.

“He told me Arsenal is a very good club, the Premier League is very good and London is a great city. I already knew from Musti that Arsenal was a very good club to join and go to the next level. It was clear that Arsenal was an interesting option for me.”

It’s no surprise Leno knew his international teammate well before the move. It’s nice to hear that Mustafi had good things to say about the club, though, particularly as he hasn’t always had the easiest time in England.

The goalkeeper has been one of Arsenal’s most important players this season. His saves have won the team a good percentage of their points and he recently made it into a FIFA Team of the Season based on a league-wide fan vote. Whatever his reasons for joining, we’re glad he did.

In his other answers, Leno confirmed he’s still close friends with Julian Brandt, Jonathan Tah, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner. If he wants to reach out to one or two of them in the same way Mustafi reached out to him, that would go down well with Arsenal fans.