Arsenal seal surprise Mat Ryan loan from Brighton until end of 2020/21 season

Arsenal have completed the surprise signing of Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton until the end of the 2020/21 campaign, with Mikel Arteta providing unexpected backup for No.1 goalkeeper Bernd Leno

Posted Saturday, January 23, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton until the end of the season.

Ryan, 28, has made 124 appearances since joining the south-coast side in 2017, but he has struggled to hold down a regular place in Graham Potter’s starting XI this season.

But the Gunners have taken him off Potter’s hands until the end of the 2020/21 campaign, securing a surprise loan deal for the shot-stopper on Friday morning.

Mikel Arteta said: “We know Mat very well through his performances with Brighton in recent seasons and he brings additional quality to our squad.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton until the end of the season

“Mat has very good Premier League experience and has played over 100 times in the league, which is something that will benefit us greatly on and off the pitch. We welcome Mat to Arsenal and look forward to working with him this season.”

Arteta has added extra cover for No.1 goalkeeper Bernd Leno amid summer recruit Runar Alex Runarsson’s shaky start to life at The Emirates.

Runarsson, 25, made a costly error during Arsenal’s 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat at home to Manchester City last month and has not featured since.

In Ryan, who has racked up over 100 appearances in the Premier League, the Gunners now have a more experienced pair of hands to call upon if Leno is either unavailable or simply in need of a rest.

Arsenal technical director Edu added: “Mat is an experienced goalkeeper, a proven talent in the Premier League and has also played many internationals for Australia.

“Mat will further strengthen our squad with his experience and knowledge of playing at the highest level.

“Following Matt Macey’s recent move to Hibernian, Mat will provide very good competition and positive support to all our goalkeepers and we are looking forward to him integrating quickly into the set-up here at Arsenal.”

Ryan, who has also enjoyed stints with Valencia and Genk, will wear the No.33 shirt at Arsenal.