FC Copenhagen has welcomed former Arsenal goalkeeper Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson into their ranks in a move that was confirmed on deadline day.

The Icelandic international, with 27 caps to his name, embarks on a new journey in the Danish Superliga, a league he’s familiar with from his time at FC Nordsjælland, before his spells in French and English football.

The move comes after Rúnarsson’s tenure at Arsenal, which can only be described as underwhelming. Since his signing for €2m back in 2020, expectations were high, but with just six appearances for the Gunners, any ambition for a prominent role at Emirates Stadium was never realised. His recent loan at Cardiff City in the Championship, while initially promising, was cut short, culminating in a mutual decision to terminate his contract with Arsenal amidst his non-existent playing chances.

Rúnarsson’s move to FC Copenhagen is seen as a fresh start, with the club and player both eager to prove their worth. FC Copenhagen‘s sporting director, Peter Christiansen, and head coach, Jacob Neestrup, have expressed their satisfaction with the signing, highlighting Rúnarsson’s technical skills, experience, and the competitive edge he brings to the goalkeeping department.

Christiansen specifically noted the need to strengthen their options between the sticks following an injury to Theo Sander, signalling Rúnarsson’s role as a crucial addition to the squad.

For Rúnarsson, the move to Copenhagen is a welcome change, offering him an opportunity to re-establish himself as a top goalkeeper. Familiar with the city and league, he is poised to integrate swiftly into the team, aiming to challenge and support his fellow goalkeepers.

“I am very happy that the move to FCK has gone well,” said Rúnarsson.

“I know the club, the city and the league very well and know that this is a big club that I am coming to. I’m very much looking forward to becoming part of the squad and the collaboration in the goalkeeping team with Kim Christensen, where I will do everything to help the team and give competition to the other keepers.

“Now I’ve landed in Portugal and I’m ready to get started on the pitch right away.”

As Rúnarsson turns the page on his Arsenal chapter and looks forward to his tenure with FC Copenhagen, both the player and his new club are optimistic about the future. With a contract until 2027, Rúnarsson has ample time to prove his mettle and become an integral part of the Danish outfit’s success story.