The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has denied reports that Arsenal are close to signing Dijon goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson. There had been claims in Iceland earlier this week that the 25-year-old had agreed a five-year contract with the Gunners after undergoing a medical on Monday.

However, speaking on ‘Ask Ornstein’ for the Tifo Podcast Youtube channel, Ornstein said that, although discussions have taken place over a £1m transfer, no agreement had been reached between the two teams about signing the Ligue One shot-stopper:

“There are talks between the clubs over a fee in the region of £1m, but I don’t think there is an agreement on that fee, how it would be paid & also I think reports that he underwent a medical at Arsenal are wide of the mark.”

Runarsson has been tracked by Arsenal for a number of months with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana having worked with the Icelandic international before at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.

The Gunners will undoubtedly be stepping up their plans to sign a new keeper very soon with Aston Villa having officially announced the signing of Emi Martinez today. It has been reported that the Midlands club paid around £17m for the Argentinian international.