According to the reliable GFFN who cite RMC Sport, Arsenal have struck a 2million euro deal with French club Dijon to sign Icelandic goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson.
The 25-year-old has been handed a big contract, with a five-year-deal, although the wages are unknown at this stage. The first part of the players medical will take part in Dijon today with more examinations in Paris later.
Runarsson will come in to provide competition for first choice Bernd Leno. The Gunners were in search of a new back up goalkeeper after Emiliano Martinez joined Aston Villa in a £20million deal earlier this week.
Sky Sports also said yesterday that Runarsson was set to join Arsenal and that the club are hoping to conclude a deal as soon as possible. To be in the squad against West Ham for Saturday, the Gunners will need to register the player by midday on Friday.
Arsenal signing a cheaper back up goalkeeper should give them flexibility in the market to strengthen other areas of their squad.
Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana previously worked with summer transfer target Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson at FC Nordsjælland where Runarsson broke out between the years of 2015-2018. It is likely he reccomended the player to the Gunners. Since moving to Dijon, he has lost his place as first choice goalkeeper. Standing at just 6ft 1′ he is not the biggest keeper but is considereing reasonably good with his feet.
He has also been capped 5 times for Iceland and at 25, is still considered young for a keeper.