Arsenal forgotten man joins Cardiff City on a season-long loan… after summer signing deals major blow to his first team hopes

Cardiff City have completed the signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Runarsson on a season-long loan deal. 

The Iceland international joined the north London side in 2020 but made just one Premier League appearance in that time, against Wolves in February 2021. 

He spent last season on loan at on loan at Turkish Super Lig club Alanyaspor and played 32 games across all competitions for the club. 

Runarsson said: ‘I’m very happy to get the deal over the line. It took some time, but I’m pleased to be here. The Club made contact with my agent and said that they wanted to sign me, I know it’s a big club and it sparked my interest right away.

‘I spoke to Gunnars [Aron Gunnarsson] before signing and the first thing he said was ‘go’ and that he loved it here. The manager also spoke to me about the playing style, what he wants from me, what he wants from the team and how he sees my role within the team. 

The Iceland international joined the north London side in 2020 but made just one appearance 

‘He saw me play in Turkey when I was on loan there, so it’s good that I’m coming to play for a manager that knows me and knows my qualities.

‘I’m really excited to play in front of the fans. Seeing the stadium, I can feel the atmosphere in the air, so I’m looking forward playing in front of fans. When I signed for Arsenal, it was during Covid, so I didn’t get 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 No 1 spot alongside Ryan Allsop and Jak Alnwick. 

He said: ‘I know Alex from Alanyaspor, when he was on loan there. We could see on the field that when he had the ball, he was really good with his feet, he can play out with the ball and that’s what I want. He is also really quick, has good reactions and is good under crosses.

‘I think he will help us a lot. Whoever gives the best performance for us out of our three goalkeepers will stay in goal and will be starting.

‘Mario [Galinovic] knows him from Turkey and he likes him as well. We tried to find the best that was available to us and we’ve done that I think.’