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Runar Alex Runarsson 'undergoes Arsenal medical' ahead of transfer on five-year deal
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Dijon goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson.
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Runar Alex Runarsson reportedly had his Arsenal medical on Monday, ahead of his transfer from Dijon. The Icelandic international has been identified by the Gunners board as the replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who is set to join Aston Villa.
Martinez completed his medical on Saturday ahead of his £20million switch from the Gunners after seeking assurances of regular football.
He had looked set to stay at the club to rival Bernd Leno for the No 1 jersey but following several meetings with Mikel Arteta, it was decided that he was available for other clubs.
Things then progressed quickly with Aston Villa and Brighton among those keen on the Argentine but it was the Midlands club who met Arsenal's valuation.
He then withdrew from the Arsenal squad to face Fulham on the opening day of the season and headed north to finalise his move.
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That is now believed to be complete, pending an announcement and Arsenal have wasted no time in finding his replacement.
Icelandic outlet DV claim that Runarsson is on his way to the Emirates Stadium and underwent a medical on Monday.
The 25-year-old is set to sign a five-year contract with the Gunners after being identified by their recruitment team.
Runarsson was part of Iceland's World Cup squad in 2018 and has also spent time in Denmark before he moved to France.
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Leno will be the club's No 1 goalkeeper moving forward but as last season proved with Martinez, Runarsson may get his chance to shine in the event of an injury or suspension.
The Gunners will also be playing Europa League football and Arteta has been known to rotate his squad in the competition.
Arsenal have also looked at Brentford's David Raya this summer and he was thought to be keen on a move across London.
However, Bees boss Thomas Frank has made it clear that his goalkeeper is not for sale and named Said Benrahma as the only player the club will listen to offers for.
Arsenal currently top the Premier League table after their 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday.
After the match Arteta confirmed that he expects Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's new contract to be official in the next few days.
"I am really positive that we are going to get it done," he told BT Sport.
"Hopefully in the next few days we can get some news."