Arsenal’s forgotten man joins Cardiff City on loan for a season…
- Championship side Cardiff City have signed an Arsenal goalkeeper on loan
- The Iceland international played one Premier League game for the Gunners
- WATCH: ‘It All Begins’ – Episode 1 – The brand new football show from Mail Sport
Cardiff City have completed the signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Runarsson on a season-long loan.
The Iceland international came to North London in 2020 but made just one Premier League appearance in that time, against Wolves in February 2021.
He was loaned out to Turkish Süper Lig club Alanyaspor last season, making 32 appearances in all competitions for the club.
Runarsson said: ‘I’m very happy to get the deal over the line. It’s taken a while, but I’m glad to be here. The club contacted my agent and said they wanted to sign me. I know it is a big club and it immediately piqued my interest.
“I spoke to Gunnars (Aron Gunnarsson) before I signed and the first thing he said was ‘go’ and that he loved it here. The manager also spoke to me about the style of play, what he wants from me, what he wants from the team and how he sees my role within the team.
Cardiff City have completed the loan of Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Runarsson
The Iceland international joined North London in 2020, but only made one appearance
“He saw me play in Turkey when I was there on loan, so it’s good that I’m coming to play for a manager who knows me and knows my qualities.
“I am very excited to play for the fans. When I see the stadium, I feel the atmosphere in the air, so I’m looking forward to playing in front of fans. When I signed for Arsenal it was during Covid so I haven’t been able to experience British football with the fans so I’m excited to play in that atmosphere.”
Cardiff boss Erol Bulut says he wants Runarsson to compete for the number 1 spot alongside Ryan Allsop and Jak Alnwick.
He said: ‘I know Alex from Alanyaspor when he was there on loan. We could see on the pitch that when he had the ball he was very good with his feet, he can play with the ball and that’s what I want. He is also very fast, reacts well and can pass well under.
“I think he will help us a lot. The one who gives us the best performance of our three goalkeepers stays in goal and will start.
‘Mario (Galinovic) knows him from Turkey and he likes him too. We tried to find the best that was available to us and we did, I think.’
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