Iceland shotstopper Alex Runarsson is keen to be first choice at Arsenal.

Runarsson would not have joined Arsenal if he didn’t think he has a chance to be the main goalkeeper.

Runarsson Keen to become Arsenal no.1 [Getty]

Runarsson is likely to start against Rapid Vienna on Thursday.

Alex Runarsson insists that he is ready to challenge Bernard Leno for the no.1 spot at Arsenal and admits it was one of the reasons why he decided to join Mikel Arteta’s side during the previous transfer window.

The Iceland goalkeeper hasn’t conceded a goal in the few games he has featured in for the Gunners following his move from Dijon FCO, and is likely to start in Arsenal’s Europa League clash against Rapid Vienna at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening.

While speaking to the media he was questioned if he is ready to challenge Leno for the position between the sticks, the 25-year-old replied as Sky Sports quoted: "Yes. I think that should be the mindset for everybody that you want to play.

"It doesn't matter what position you play. I think maybe as a goalkeeper it is a little bit different, but you definitely have to have the mentality that you want to push to become number one.

"If it happens or not, if it happens in one week, one month or one year, that always has to be your mentality - because otherwise you're in the wrong profession I think."

Quizzed if he has confidence in his attributes to battle it out with Leno, he added: "Yes, 100 per cent - otherwise I wouldn't be playing for this club, I think. I have to have this mentality that I can play and I have to believe it and show it."

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