Arteta appears to have done a U-turn on Arsenal player, he'll probably be sold now

Arsenal have a lot of work to do if they are to make amends for a dismal 2020-21 campaign.

The Gunners began last season with high expectations after winning the FA Cup.

Indeed, Arsenal then picked up the Community Shield, as well as making several great signings.

And the likes of Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes would be playing long-term alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who penned a new contract.

Despite all these positive things, the Gunners didn’t even make it into Europe.

Therefore, it’s key for Edu and Mikel Arteta to not only bolster their ranks but also offload players who are surplus to requirements.

And one player who looks to be on his way out of the Emirates is Alex Runarsson.

Signed just last year as Emiliano Martinez’s replacement, the Icelander didn’t exactly shine in his maiden campaign.

Runarsson made mistakes last season, including an error-strewn display against Manchester City.

In the end, the 26-year-old ended up becoming third-choice as Arteta signed Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton.

Despite Runarsson’s issues, the Arsenal boss insisted in February that the player was an important member of his squad.

“Needs to push for that”

“He works really hard,” The Mirror quotes Arteta as saying. “Has fit in really well around the dressing room.

“He is a really nice boy, really humble, and he needs to be away from all the comments and focus on his work, focus on improving.

“You have to be able, if you want to play here, to handle that pressure.

“Alex’s role was very clear around the squad… that hasn’t changed.

“Then, he needs to earn his opportunity and he needs to earn his place.

“He is third, second or first, depending on his performance. He needs to push for that.”

However, speculation is now doing the rounds claiming Runarsson is in talks to leave this summer.

The Express reports that he’s currently in talks with Turkish Super Lig side Altay this summer.

Charles Watts, commenting on a report by Turkish journalist Ege Engin on Twitter, also claimed the deal could be permanent.

If the reports are true, it looks as though Arteta has done a U-turn on Runarsson.

Should Runarsson get sold, it would suggest that the club made a mistake, but at the same time, Ryan’s loan arrival hinted at that too.