Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will shortly be in a position to announce a new signing, widely believed to be goalkeeper Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson.

Speaking in his pre-West Ham press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta suggested Arsenal would soon be able to announce a new signing.

With Emi Martinez leaving, rumours around replacement goalkeeper signings are growing. Primarily Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson, who is reportedly closing in on a £1.5m move. Arteta answered questions on the potential transfer.

“Obviously with the departure of Emi…we have to replace him,” Arteta said. “We are looking in the market and I think we will shortly in a position to announce a new signing.

“I don’t know (how close it is). In football, the hours can become days and then something that looks unlikely can happen straight away. So, unfortunately, I cannot tell you.”

The Telegraph suggest Arsenal would also still welcome David Raya of Brentford. This fits with David Ornstein’s claim that the club are considering signing Raya and loaning him back. But it looks like a difficult one at over £10m.

For now, Rúnarsson seems the most likely to join. But Arteta suggested they aren’t certain what’s happening with another potential goalkeeper signing yet.

“Well, depending on what is going to happen with our third goalkeeping position as well,” Arteta continued. “Because we had some talks about that over the past few months so still the market is open and things can change.”

Matt Macey already publicly confirmed his desire to leave Arsenal this summer. If and when that goes through, the club will have to promote or sign a third choice. But if Brentford want Raya back on loan, that doesn’t exactly solve the problem.