Arsenal set for seven-figure FFP windfall as transfer clause triggered

Bernd Leno, formerly of Arsenal, at the Florida Cup match between Cheslea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022 prior to his move to Fulham. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) -Credit:2022 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Bernd Leno, formerly of Arsenal, at the Florida Cup match between Cheslea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022 prior to his move to Fulham. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) -Credit:2022 The Arsenal Football Club Plc


Arsenal are set to receive a £2million transfer windfall as Fulham secure their Premier League status thanks to a clause in the deal that took Bernd Leno to the Cottagers.

The Gunners received a similar bonus from Fulham last season and are now poised to pocket the same amount again, thanks to the add-ons negotiated in the initial £8m deal back in August 2022. Fulham paid just £3m upfront for the German shot-stopper, with the remaining £1m contingent on appearances.

Since his move to Craven Cottage, the 32-year-old has been in impressive form, earning him a new long-term contract until summer 2027. Only Arsenal stopper David Raya has kept more clean sheets (12) than Leno (nine) in the Premier League this season.

Marco Silva's side are aiming for a second top-half finish in as many years, with their survival being mathematically confirmed at the weekend thanks to their 2-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.

In September, goalkeeper Leno opened up on the move that saw him depart Arsenal in August 2022, with Aaron Ramsdale being signed to replace him as number one.

"At the start of the 2021 season, we lost the first three games and after the international break all of a sudden it was, 'We need to change players and have positive energy,'" he told The Times.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has crucial Arsenal choice to exploit new Bayern injury after Thomas Tuchel admission

READ MORE: The three Arsenal midfield selections Mikel Arteta must get right to beat Bayern Munich

"There were a couple of excuses I didn't understand and I have to say, unfortunately, it's more or less the same with Ramsdale. It has happened [again] after the international break. I was thinking: 'That's more or less the same as with me.' "I was thinking about Aaron, he's a very good guy. I know how he feels, there are some similarities.

"When I wanted to fight for my place, the goalkeeper coach said, 'You have to leave the club. ' When he said it wasn't about performance, I knew straight away I had to leave.

"I don't know if they didn't want two strong 'keepers. I had one year left on my contract. So it was the last time to make money off me."