Bernd Leno leaves Bayer 04 for Arsenal

"We signed Bernd in 2011 as a very young keeper and put him in a position of great responsibility straight away. He immediately repaid that confidence both in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Bernd has consistently performed well for us over the years and he made his full international debut while he was here. A great goalkeeper - we wish him all the best in his future at Arsenal," said Leverkusen's designated sporting director Jonas Boldt.

"I've enjoyed my time at Leverkusen from day one to now," said Leno ahead of his departure. "I'm very grateful the club chose me to be the number one as a 19-year-old. After seven, fantastic years, I'm now on my to another very exciting league. But I'm sure we'll meet each other often on the European stage in the future."