Arsenal are ready to step up their pursuit of Runar Alex Runarsson after Emi Martinez completes his move to Aston Villa.
Martinez has agreed personal terms with Villa over a contract worth £60,000-a-week and is set to join them as part of deal that could eventually reach £20million.
Arsenal are now looking to replace the Argentina international, who played a key role in them winning the FA Cup last season but is leaving in search of first-team football.
Bernd Leno will resume his place as Arsenal’s No1 goalkeeper but the club are looking to bring in Runarsson as competition and back-up.
Arsenal are in talks with Dijon and it is hoped a deal can be done for around £1.5m, with the 25-year-old Iceland international ready to sign a long-term contract.
Brentford’s David Raya has been on Arsenal’s radar too, but the Bees are unwilling to negotiate as they already made over £30m by selling Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa and stand to make at least £20m if Said Benrahma leaves too.
Raya was recommended by Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, who worked with him at Brentford, but he has also given the seal of approval for Runarsson.
The Icelandic is known for his distribution and is good with the ball at his feet, which suits head coach Mikel Arteta’s style.
Arsenal are pressing ahead with their transfer plans this week and are also expected to announce captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (above) has signed a new three-year contract, worth around £250,000-a-week.
