Runar Goalkeeper Alex Runarsson Is Ready To Disturb Bernd Leno's Position At Arsenal

JAKARTA - Arsenal have officially completed the transfer of Icelandic goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson from Ligue 1 club Dijon. Runarsson has a four-year contract.

The Gunners did not disclose details of the player's transfer fee, but British media reported that they had to pay £ 1.5 million for the 25-year-old.

Runarsson recorded 13 appearances in all competitions for Dijon last season.

He joined the north London club as a coating as well as providing competition for main goalkeeper Bernd Leno following the departure of Emiliano Martinez for Aston Villa.

"We want to create healthy competition for places and we hope to see Alex bring further depth to the goalkeeping position," coach Mikel Arteta said in a statement on the club's official website.

💬 "It's one of the biggest clubs in the world ... it's a win-win situation." 📺 Our first interview with @runaralex 👇

- Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 21, 2020

Runarsson's arrival follows the purchases of Brazilian center-back Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille and compatriot Willian from Chelsea.

The Icelandic national team goalkeeper is a recommendation from Inaki Cana, the goalkeeping coach for Arteta's squad.

Cana worked with Runasson during his time with FC Nordsjaelland from 2015 to 2018, and Arteta admitted last week that Cana played a big role in Arsenal's search for a replacement for Martinez.

New club. New country. New number.Alex Runarsson. Our No 13 🤝 pic.twitter.com/gqLydIHQvL

- Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 21, 2020