Arsenal goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson is attracting interest from Turkey for a loan move, with Antalyaspor currently leading the race.

Runar Alex Runarsson pictured wearing headgear whilst playing for OH Leuven (Photo via HLN.be)
Runar Alex Runarsson pictured wearing headgear whilst playing for OH Leuven (Photo via HLN.be)

The Evening Standard report that Runar Alex Runarsson has drawn interest from Turkey in a loan move for the coming season, with Antalyaspor currently the keenest on a transfer.

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.

LEUVEN, BELGIUM : Alex Runarsson goalkeeper of OH Leuven leaves the field with an injury during the Jupiler Pro League match between Oud-Heverlee Leuven and Club Brugge KV on December 15, 2021. ( Photo by Peter De Voecht / Photonews
LEUVEN, BELGIUM: Alex Runarsson goalkeeper of OH Leuven leaves the field with an injury during the Jupiler Pro League match between Oud-Heverlee Leuven and Club Brugge KV on December 15, 2021. (Photo by Peter De Voecht / Photonews)

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.