Arsenal flop left in no-man's land as club ruthlessly cut contract short

01 February 2024 , 11:39

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Alex Runarsson of Arsenal warms up prior to the Champions Tour soccer game against Manchester United (Image: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Runar Alex Runarsson is set to return to Arsenal, leaving him facing an uncertain future with the Premier League giants.

The Icelandic goalkeeper has spent this season on loan at Cardiff City but has made just eight appearances and none in the last month. The Bluebirds have preferred Jak Alnwick in net of late and also look to be active on transfer deadline day.

Erol Bulut's side have agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to bring American shot-stopper Ethan Horvath to the club. The Telegraph report he would undergo a medical on Thursday morning.

That leaves Gunners goalkeeper Runarsson in an uncertain position. The 28-year-old has made just six appearances during his time at the Emirates with his last being 15 minutes in a defeat to Wolves during the 2020/21 season, when Bernd Leno was sent off.

Runarsson is unlikely to feature for Mikel Arteta's side with a great deal of competition at the club. Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya have battled for the No.1 position this term, while Karl Hein has provided support.

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The goalkeeper originally arrived in the Welsh capital in August on a season-long loan having made 30 appearances for Alanyaspor in 2022/23. International teammate and former Cardiff midfielder Aron Gunnarsson encouraged him to make the move.

Runarsson was signed by Arsenal in 2020 from French side Dijon and has enjoyed a loan spell with OH Leuven in Belgium in addition to Alanyaspor. The £1.5million signing was said to be free to leave the club in the summer before his move to Cardiff, but participated in pre-season with the Gunners when they travelled to Germany and the United States.

Mikel Arteta is unlikely to play the Arsenal goalkeeper this season (Getty Images)

The goalkeeper's contract is set to expire in June but whether Arsenal can facilitate another move for Runarsson before the day is out remains to be seen.

Scott Trotter