Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno halts Napoli talks amid Arsenal links - agent

Bayer Leverkusen keeper Bernd Leno has stopped negotiations with Napoli, his agent has told Bild, amid links with Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

Leno, 26, reportedly has a €25 million release clause in his contract, which runs until 2020.

He is set to be part of Germany's 23-man World Cup squad and has established himself as one of Bundesliga's best goalkeepers since joining Leverkusen from Stuttgart's reserves in 2011.

Agent Uli Ferber said: "I can confirm there were negotiations with Napoli, but we stopped them. Napoli are not an option."

Ferber said "there are other options," with Bild claiming that Arsenal and Atletico are on the list of potential new clubs.

"We'll sit down after the season," he added. "Bernd's full focus is now on the Hannover game, and that Leverkusen make it to the Champions League."

Leverkusen are fifth in the Bundesliga but could qualify by defeating Hannover with a five-goal margin regardless of the outcome of the match between fourth-placed Hoffenheim and third-placed Borussia Dortmund.

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