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Arsenal Loanee Expected to Return This Summer: What Does the Future Hold?

Alex Runarsson

Arsenal signed Iceland international Runar Alex Runarsson from French club Dijon in 2020. The Gunners paid a fee of £1.5 million to bring in the 26-year-old shot-stopper as a backup to Bernd Leno.

Runarsson however, struggled for minutes and registered just 6 appearances for Arsenal. He committed several high-profile errors and managed just 2 clean sheets, leaking 7 goals. Last summer, the Gunners signed English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for £24 million and Arthur Okonkwo was promoted as the third-choice keeper. This allowed Runarsson to join the Belgian side OH Leuven on a loan spell.

Runar Alex Runarsson, Arsenal
Image Obtained Via: Daily Canon

Runarsson initially struggled for minutes, registering just one cup appearance in his first two and a half months. Since then, however, the former Dijon shot-stopper has made 17 appearances in the league and managed two clean sheets (stats via Transfermarkt).

His turn in form has also helped Leuven comfortably get out of the relegation zone. Runarsson has affected 61 saves from the 85 shots he has faced. An impressive save-% of 71.8%. making him one of the most effective shot-stoppers in the league.

However, it seems unlikely that Leuven can afford to make the 26-year-old’s stay permanent. Arsenal’s loan deal involves a buy option – a price that is too high for the Belgian outfit. Leuven are unlikely to exercise their purchase option, in which case Runarsson will have to return to the North London club.

Should the Iceland international return, Football London reports that Edu is already working on a new transfer route. Arsenal do not want to retain the custodian and are looking for options to either sell him or allow him to go out for another loan spell.

It is imperative that Arsenal sell Runarsson for the benefit of both parties. Currently 26, Runarsson is quickly approaching his prime years. After average spells in both France and England, the shot-stopper will definitely spend next season watching from the stands.

Matt Turner, Runar Alex Runarsson, Arsenal
Matt Turner Image Obtained via: The Transfermarkt

Arsenal have roped in USMNT goalie Matt Turner, who will join in the summer. As a current back up Bernd Leno looks destined to leave, Turner could be a competent backup to Ramsdale, if not a serious competitor for a spot between the goalposts.

Either one of Arthur Okonkwo or Karl-Jacob Hein could be retained as the third-choice keeper, which leaves Runarsson as surplus to the requirements. Rather than wasting his prime years on the bench, Runarsson could easily garner regular minutes in a league that matches his skill set better.

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Leuven are said to be negotiating a deal for the keeper. Even if a transfer fails to materialise, Runarsson’s impressive displays would have definitely caught the eyes of a few more interested clubs. Arsenal would be wise to sell when the 26-year-old’s stocks are still high. A £1.5 million transfer fee is fairly minimal but the Gunners stand to lose very little with the sale.

What do you think of Runarsson’s future? Should he stay or leave? Let us know in the comments.

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Adithya Ravi
Football enthusiast. Stat enthusiast

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