Arsenal Takes In Runnar Alex Runarsson To Succeed Mikel Martinez

Arsenal FC is targeting several players but has filled a key position with the acquisition of Runar Alex Runarsson. The Gunners secured the services of the 25-year-old from Dijon to take the place of Emiliano Martinez.

Runarsson agreed to a four-year deal with Arsenal who was acquired for a $2.5 million fee. He joins Bernd Leno who is expected to serve as his backup according to the club’s official website.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Alex to our squad. We have been monitoring him for some time and from the analysis, he has strong attributes that we look for in a goalkeeper and as a person,” technical director Edu said.

Runarsson got some backing from Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana who he previously worked with. Mikel Arteta expects Runnarson to provide added depth in goalkeeping as he continues to identify and fill in key positions within the Gunners’ circle.

“We want to create healthy competition for places and we look forward to seeing Alex bring further depth to the goalkeeping position,” Arteta said.

Runarsson is a proven commodity, having five senior caps for Iceland. He was a member of the team’s World Cup team in 2018 but did not see action in Russia.

Though Leno has been speculated to spell Runarsson, it appears Arteta is still on the prowl for another goalkeeper. According to the Guardian, Arsenal is bidding to get David Raya from Brentford but all their pitches have so far been turned down.

Matt Macey is the Gunners' third-choice shot-stopper but is expected to try his luck elsewhere. The 26-year-old is looking to get better exposure, potentially a first-team opportunity elsewhere. If Arsenal finds a way to take in Raya, he is likely to be the third player in the pecking order.

Aside from that, Arteta has his hands full figuring out the mix for their upcoming match against Leicester City. Kieran Tierney appears to be on the mend but remains doubtful against Leicester City. Tierney is recovering from a groin injury. Cedric Soares is also unlikely to play in the Carabao Cup that is set this Wednesday. Hence, the Gunners will have to turn to other players with Arteta without two full-backs against the Foxes.