Arsenal are reportedly ready to part ways with goalkeeper Alex Runarsson, terminating both his contract with the club and his loan agreement with Cardiff City midway through the season. The Icelandic goalkeeper is poised to join Danish powerhouse FC Copenhagen, a team competing in the UEFA Champions League, as a free agent.
Runarsson arrived at Arsenal in 2020 following a successful spell in France with Dijon, where he served as the team’s second-choice goalkeeper. However, like many backup keepers, he struggled to secure regular playing time, prompting a series of loan moves in pursuit of more opportunities.
After loan spells at Belgian club OH Leuven and Turkish side Alanyaspor, Runarsson’s stint at Cardiff City marked his third loan since joining Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta.
Despite his efforts, Runarsson failed to establish himself at Arsenal, remaining behind Bernd Leno and Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order. According to Fabrizio Romano, he has now reached an agreement to depart the club and embark on a fresh chapter in the Danish Superliga.
Previously named Player of the Season for FC Nordsjaelland in 2018, Runarsson’s impressive performances earned him a spot in Iceland’s squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Returning to Denmark, Runarsson will compete for the goalkeeper position at FC Copenhagen alongside Kamil Grabara.
During his time at Arsenal, Runarsson made six appearances, recording three clean sheets. At Cardiff City this season, he featured in eight matches across all competitions, securing one clean sheet.
