Arsenal goalkeeper signing imminent with debut possible this week

Runar Alex Runarsson TEAMtalk

Runar Alex Runarsson could make his debut for Arsenal this week once he becomes their new goalkeeper, according to reports.

Arsenal have been searching for a deputy to Bernd Leno ever since Emiliano Martinez signalled his intentions to leave.

Martinez impressed when standing in for Leno during the German’s injury towards the end of last season. But with no guarantees of first team football after Leno’s return, the Argentine decided to move on.

Aston Villa have signed Martinez, leaving Arsenal scrambling to find a replacement. Now, they are closing in on the signing of Runar Alex Runarsson from Dijon.

The Icelandic goalkeeper underwent a medical last week, but they still had some formalities to complete before they could announce his arrival.

It appears those final hurdles have been cleared, and that Runarsson could be unveiled as an Arsenal player on Monday.

According to Goal, Arsenal will announce the signing of Runarsson on Monday afternoon. The deal is worth just over £1m.

The report adds that Runarsson could be thrown straight into the firing line, potentially making his club debut in their EFL Cup tie against Leicester on Wednesday.

Runarsson will arrive at Arsenal under the recommendation of goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, who previously worked with him for three years at FC Nordsjaelland.

Runarsson arrival won’t rule out Raya

David Raya TEAMtalk

Even though Arsenal are set to bolster their goalkeeping ranks, they could still pursue another player for the position.

They have been heavily linked with Brentford’s David Raya – and TEAMtalk exclusively revealed they had made a bid for him earlier this month.

Raya is another player Cana has worked with before, spending time together at Brentford.

Raya is now keen to move across London to join Arsenal, even though Brentford have turned down a £10m bid.

The Gunners could raise their offer before the transfer window closes if third choice keeper Matt Macey departs.