Charles Watts, the Arsenal correspondent for Goal has been discussing the reports linking the Gunners with a move for Runar Alex Runarsson on a recent YouTube video.
The Icelandic goalkeeper could potentially be coming in to replace Emiliano Martinez who after a decade with the North London club has signed for Aston Villa. Dean Smith’s side are said to have paid £17m to land the Argentine stopper (as per BBC Sport).
It appears as though Mikel Arteta and his team have wasted no time in identifying a replacement because according to the journalist, the Gunners are close to agreeing a deal that would bring the 25-year-old in as the club’s number two.
Here is what Watts had to say:
“They’re not going to have to wait too long in terms of bringing in another goalkeeper, Runar Runarsson is pretty close to joining now. Not going to be an expensive one – you’re looking at £1.8m to potentially £2m for Runarsson. He’s 25 years old, an Icelandic goalkeeper playing for Dijon in France. Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana knows him very well, he’s worked with him before.
“That’s a good deal for Arsenal.”
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It appears that if Arsenal do get this deal over the line, they will have replaced Martinez whilst making something in the region of £15m profit which would, in theory, help if they are hoping to strengthen in other areas.
Runarsson made 11 appearances for Dijon in Ligue 1 last season and according to WhoScored.com and his average performance rating was 6.33/10. He conceded 17 goals and managed just one clean sheet (as per Transfermarkt). However, it is worth taking into consideration that his side struggled to a 16th place finish.