Mikel Arteta admits things have been tough for Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that things have been tough for Bernd Leno this season.

The 30-year-old joined the Gunners in 2018 and was first-choice up until September last year.

Following a dreadful start to the season for Arsenal, Arteta opted to give Aaron Ramsdale a chance in goal.

The summer signing impressed from the off and quickly made the first-choice gloves his own.

Meanwhile, Leno found himself warming the bench most of the time, with only the occasional cup runout.

However, Saturday saw the Germany international make his first league appearance since August.

Ramsdale’s muscle injury meant the £100,000-a-week goalkeeper started against Villa.

Although the hosts didn’t trouble Leno much, he still looked a solid presence and barely put a foot wrong.

Arteta spoke to BBC Match of the Day and commented on his squad’s depth, touching upon Leno’s situation.

“It’s been tough for Bernd [Leno], not playing the minutes he’s been used to in his career, but Aaron [Ramsdale] was there to support him,” he said.

“Emile [Smith Rowe] has had some issues in the last few weeks and came in for 90 minutes because he’s managed to look after himself well.”

While Leno has been a good servant for Arsenal, it’s extremely unlikely he’ll stay put past the end of the season.

Not only has Ramsdale leapfrogged him, but Matt Turner is also set to join the Gunners in the summer.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano confidently claimed in February that Leno is “gonna leave” the Emirates.

Leno’s contract runs until 2023, so this is the last chance Arsenal have of getting a decent fee for him.

Last September, Rudy Galetti claimed Arsenal would be willing to sell Leno for 15m euro (around £13m) this summer.