Arsenal are expecting Alex Runarsson to return in the summer, but Football London suggests that the Gunners still plan to loan him out or sell him ahead of next season.
Runarsson has had a much better year this time around. He arrived for £1.5 million in 2020 to provide cover and competition for Bernd Leno.
His cause was not helped by the fact that he came in in the same window Emi Martinez left for Aston Villa. And Martinez continued to pile the pressure on by performing superbly for the Villans.
When Runarsson did get a chance, he did not appear to be at the level required. He made a number of costly mistakes when he did feature. So it was absolutely no surprise to see the Gunners bring in Mat Ryan in January, and then Aaron Ramsdale in the summer.
The Iceland international was given the chance to join OH Leuven from Belgium on loan. And he has had the chance to play regularly after initially having to wait for his league debut.
He has gone on to make 17 appearances in the top-flight. He has gone on to concede 25 goals, which is not a terrible return by any means. But he has only kept two clean sheets in that run.
It does appear that Leuven are weighing up holding onto the 27-year-old. And they have an option to buy included in the deal.
Football London reports that talks with Arsenal are set to take place in the summer. However, they are not prepared to meet the current asking price.
And with that, Runarsson is currently set to return to the Emirates. The plan is still to offload him in some capacity ahead of next season.
Alex Runarsson desperately needs Arsenal exit this summer
Unfortunately, the move simply has not worked out for any party. It is therefore, best for all if Arsenal can find a permanent home for Runarsson this summer.
He obviously has ability. He has represented his country. And he has played in the top-flight in Denmark, France, England and Belgium. Mikel Arteta praised the fact he ‘works really hard‘, too.
However, he does not look to be at the level Arsenal need. Certainly, the fans probably have little faith in him after that first season. And in truth, he looks highly unlikely to play for the club again anyway.
So Arsenal and Runarsson should do all they can to move him on this summer.
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