Prospective new signing takes Arsenal medical as terms are revealed

Runar Alex Runarsson

Arsenal reportedly put Runar Alex Runarsson through a medical on Monday as a deal to confirm his signing edges closer.

The Icelandic goalkeeper has been identified by Mikel Arteta as the perfect back-up to Bernd Leno in the squad.

As per reports on Monday, the Gunners will pay Ligue 1 side Dijon just £1.5m for his services.

Apparently Arsenal’s current goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana has already worked with Runarsson at Danish side Nordsjaelland.

The 25-year-old has been capped five times by Iceland, but he is Dijon’s No.2 keeper. He was an unused sub in Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by Brest.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Brentford stopper David Raya.

But those hopes now look over with a deal for Runarsson set to be finalised in the coming days.

Icelandic outlet DV claims Runarsson will sign a five-year deal and is likely to command modest wages of around £40,000 a week.

 

Runarsson’s arrival will allow Aston Villa to secure the signing of Emiliano Martinez.

Martinez was left out of the Gunners’ squad that defeated Fulham on Saturday and is set to complete a £20m switch.

The 28-year-old underwent a medical over the weekend and his move too will shortly be announced.

Martinez impressed while stepping in for the injured Leno last season, keeping nine clean sheets in 23 games.

 

Arteta still ‘active’ in the market

The sale of Martinez and the arrival of Runarsson will help Arsenal generate some £18.5m to add to their summer budget.

Emiliano Martinez

That figure could also be doubled, with an Arsenal misfit on the verge of a switch to Serie A.

Arteta said on Friday that the Gunners were still looking at bringing players in before next month’s deadline.

“We are still active in the market, we are looking at different options,” he said.

“We are active in the market with players in and out, at the moment the squad balance is not ideal.

“There is still some work to do, but we have to bear in mind the complications of this market.”