Five potential replacements for Runar Alex Runarsson

Runar Alex Runarsson

Five potential replacements for Runar Alex Runarsson

By Peter White

Runar Alex Runarsson may have only joined Arsenal in September and so-far made just five first-team appearances, but it already appears that boss Mikel Arteta and his staff are on the prowl for the Icelandic’s replacement. 

Having eased into north London life as part of four comfortable Europa League wins, the 25-year-old was thrust firmly back to earth after making a catalogue of mistakes in December’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. 

Such a performance at the height of Arsenal’s tricky run earlier in the campaign saw Runarsson delete his Twitter account in the wake of a torrent of abuse, and it seems Arteta is now willing to let him go out on loan to regain some much-needed confidence. 

Having signed Runarsson as a replacement for current Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez, and let third-choice Matt Macey join Hibernian already this month, Arteta recently admitted there could be some substantial movement in the goalkeeper ranks over the coming weeks. 

He said: “We are assessing what is going to happen with the three goalkeeping positions. 

“The discussions we had in the summer turned out to be different to what actually happened because of the transfer window and the situation that developed with Emi Martinez. 

“We didn’t have much time to do what we really wanted so we decided to assess the situation again in this window. There is no decision yet with Alex Runarsson so we must decide how we want to move forward.” 

Any incoming stoppers face a tough ask to topple Bernd Leno in the race for the No.1 berth, with the German having been between the sticks as Arsenal recorded five successive clean sheets for the first time in 11 years, following Monday’s win over Newcastle. 

If Runarsson is to depart before the end of the January window, we assess who might be up for that intriguing challenge. 


Tom Heaton - Aston Villa 

With Martinez playing a big part in Aston Villa’s charge towards the top half of the Premier League table - recording the second-highest number of clean sheets so far (8) - England international Tom Heaton may be forced to look elsewhere for playing time. 

The 34-year-old is desperate for games, having not played a competitive match in over a year following injury, and still keeping one eye on the Three Lions squad for the upcoming European Championships. 

Heaton can boast the kind of reliability and wealth of experience that Runarsson is lacking, having made close to 400 appearances during a career spanning over 15 years. 


Mat Ryan - Brighton 

Heaton is not the only Premier League name being bandied around, with Manchester United back-up Sergio Romero being mentioned alongside Brighton stopper Mat Ryan. 

Having made 121 top-flight appearances since Brighton’s promotion to the top tier in 2017, the latter recently lost his place in the Seagulls starting XI to Robert Sanchez. 

While perhaps eager to re-establish himself on the South Coast, Australian international Ryan - who has 59 caps - might jump at the chance for a fresh start at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Mat Ryan


David Raya - Brentford 

Gunners fans will be familiar with the name of Brentford No.1 David Raya, with the Spaniard having been the subject of heavy Arsenal interest ahead of Runarsson’s arrival last summer. 

Raya only signed a four-year contract at Brentford in October, and remains a key component of the Championship side’s promotion push having made 21 appearances in all competitions so far this term. 

But while a deal may be tough to get over the line this month, Arsenal are expected to keep tabs on the former Blackburn man, whose composure on the ball and willingness to play out from the back reportedly appeals to his compatriot Arteta. 


Freddie Woodman - Newcastle (on loan at Swansea) 

QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng has raised eyebrows with a string of strong showings in recent months, but it is fellow Championship man Freddie Woodman who has fallen into contention for a move to the Emirates most recently. 

Currently in the midst of a fifth loan spell away from Newcastle, the England youth international has impressed at promotion-chasing Swansea during his season-and-a-half at the Liberty Stadium. 

Despite not having yet made a senior appearance for the Magpies, the 23-year-old has amassed plenty of experience in senior football, and he might be open to the chance to test himself on the main stage. 


Neto - Barcelona 

Among a smattering of players from across Europe being linked with a switch to Arsenal - including Levante’s Aitor Fernandez - is Barcelona back-up Neto. 

The 31-year-old has starred nine times for the La Liga giants so far during the current campaign, and has impressed the Nou Camp faithful in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

Luring a Brazil international in his peak to fight for a spot in the first team would certainly send out a signal of intent by Arteta, and surely keep Leno firmly on his toes ahead of the business end of the campaign.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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