Arsenal hit snag with plan to sell failed signing as Edu maps out alternative transfer route
Arsenal plan to sell or loan out goalkeeper Alex Runarsson in the summer, but their hopes of offloading him permanently have reportedly hit a snag.
The Gunners signed the Iceland international in the summer of 2020 with the premise of challenging Bernd Leno as No. 1. However, his spell at the Emirates Stadium has not worked out as hoped.
Runarsson only made six appearances last season and failed to convince. Indeed, he faced particular criticism for his Carabao Cup quarter-final display against Manchester City.
As such, Arsenal loaned him out to Leuven last summer. He has played 20 times for the Belgian side this season, keeping two clean sheets.
And while Leuven have an option to buy Runarsson, Football London has claimed that the Belgians are unlikely to use it.
The figure is reportedly ‘too high’ for Leuven, who will instead try to drive the price down in fresh negotiations.
Those new discussions will take place this summer as Arsenal look to move Runarsson on.
The report in fact adds that Arsenal – led by transfer chief Edu – are intent on selling him or loaning him out again and will freely enter any negotiations.
The stopper does not feature in Mikel Arteta’s plans, with the Gunners boss having moved swiftly on from his Icelandic signing.
Indeed, Arsenal signed Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United last summer. Despite initial skepticism, the England international has become the dominant force between the sticks for Arsenal.
What’s more, Matt Turner will move to the Emirates Stadium from MLS side New England Revolution in the summer.
He will cover for the potential sale of Leno. The German will have one year left on his deal at the end of the season and Arsenal are reportedly thinking of selling him to avoid losing him for free next summer.
Runarsson part of Arsenal past
Runarsson had his chance at Arsenal, but it seems he is now an afterthought at the Emirates Stadium.
There may have been hope for the 14-cap Iceland international after Leno was demoted by Ramsdale. However, Turner will fill that gap.
As for Runarsson’s current spell in Belgium, he started the season on the bench.
But, after coming into the side in November, he has not looked back and cemented his role between the sticks.
Leuven would likely be the best option for the stopper, but the club will have to hope fresh negotiations over the fee go smoothly.
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