Arsenal signing Alex Runarsson name-checks David Seaman and Jens Lehmann as childhood heroes

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Matt Davies23 September 2020

Arsenal signing Alex Runarsson has set himself the daunting challenge of emulating legends David Seaman and Jens Lehmann in north London.

The Gunners announced the signing of the 25-year-old from Dijon on Monday in a deal worth just over £1million, with the goalkeeper signing a four-year contract.

Runarsson - who replaced Emiliano Martinez as Arsenal's second-choice 'keeper - has already trained alongside his team-mates, and is expected to make his debut in the club's Carabao Cup third-round clash against Leicester on Wednesday.

Though Runarsson arrives below Bernd Leno in Mikel Arteta's pecking order, the Icelandic goalkeeper has spoken of his determination to compete, now revealing his high-profile idols.

"They are amazing - I remember watching Seaman play when I was a small kid, the same with Jens Lehmann," Runarsson told Arsenal's official website.

In Pictures | Alex Runarsson signs for Arsenal | 21/09/2020

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"Big characters, big personalities but also great goalkeepers. It is not easy to follow those guys but someone has to do it!

"Football would be no fun without having this type of pressure so it will be a challenge but I am up for it."

Runarsson also labelled rival shot-stopper Hugo Lloris as another inspiration, stating he models his game on the "modern style" of goalkeeping.

"Growing up I always liked the modern style of goalkeepers, the ones who play in a similar style to how I do," he said.

"I enjoyed watching Hugo Lloris when he came to the Premier League, playing high outside the box, I also enjoy watching Manuel Neuer because he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"I am still young so I don’t go back that long but the modern style of goalkeepers who can make saves, but also contribute to the team when they are attacking."

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