Talks underway for Arsenal 27yo’s loan move to Turkey | OneFootball

Formal talks are now underway for the loan transfer of Runar Alex Runarsson from Arsenal to Antalyaspor, according to a report.

The Evening Standard report that Antalyaspor are interested in signing Arsenal goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson on loan, and formal talks over the move are now underway.

Runarsson spent the last season on loan with OH Leuven in Belgium, which ended up going better than expected.

That initial move was followed by an underwhelming first two-and-a-half months, in which Runarsson made just one cup appearance.

Yet just as any lingering interest in his loan started to fade, Runarsson made his breakthrough.

The Iceland international played 17 times in Leuven’s last 19 league games, maintaining a respectable save percentage of 71% despite his loan side’s struggles.

The goalkeeper also showed good character, particularly after he was briefly hospitalised with a head injury, returning with a Man of the Match performance in the next game.

That form got him back into the Iceland team. Following a run of seven matches without an appearance, he’s played five of Iceland’s six games since March.

Runarsson isn’t set to return to Belgian club football this summer. Instead, it looks like he’s started to draw attention from Turkey.

Another loan could help to raise and rebuild his profile again after a damaging opening spell with Arsenal, getting the 27-year-old’s career back on track.