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Photos: Alex Runarsson poses in Arsenal kit after joining club on 4-year contract

By on September 21, 2020

Runar Alex Runarsson arsenal

Goalkeeper Alex Runarsson has completed his move from Dijon to Arsenal after joining the club on a four-year contract, Arsenal confirmed on Arsenal.com this evening.

Mikel Arteta has been on the look out for a new goalkeeper after Emi Martinez joined Aston Villa last week in search of regular first team football after the boss made it clear Bernd Leno was still his No.1.

Runarsson emerged as a surprise target with widespread reports suggesting that the Icelandic international was in London undergoing a medical after a deal had been agreed with Dijon for his signature.

The keeper spent the weekend at London Colney completing his move and those formalities have been concluded as Arsenal announced on the official website this evening that Runarsson has joined the club on a four-year contract.

According to Goal, Arsenal have paid Dijon just over £1m for the 25-year-old and he could make his debut after being registered in time to feature against Leicester City in the League Cup on Wednesday night.

After completing his move, Runarsson told Arsenal.com he’s delighted to have joined one of the biggest clubs in the world and insists he’s ready to do all he can to play as many minutes as possible.

He told the clubs website:

“I’m just extremely happy, extremely proud, it is a big day for me and my family. I can’t wait to get started!”

“It is one of the biggest clubs in the world – they’ve won the Premier League 13 times, the FA Cup 14 times, it is a huge club and obviously playing in the Premier League as well, it is a win-win situation.

“I know it is going to be a lot of hard work, but I am ready to do everything I can to get the most amount of minutes as possible.”

Runarsson was recommended to Arteta by goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana – who worked with the player during their time together at FC Nordsjaelland – so he’s played a big part in the clubs decision to complete this deal.

My big concern is his lack of experience at the top level. Runarsson made just 11 starts for Dijon last season and hasn’t represented Iceland since 2018 so it would be a huge concern if Leno was to pick up an injury.

The good news is several reports suggest that Arsenal are still on the hunt for another goalkeeper so Runarsson may actually be seen as a replacement for No.3 keeper Matt Macey – who’s admitted he wants to leave this summer.

Goal claims Arsenal are still interested in signing David Raya but have seen an opening £10m bid knocked back by Brentford. Hopefully we can get a deal agreed as I’d be worried if Runarsson is our only back-up for Leno this season.