Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan joins Arsenal on loan
The Gunners allowed Matt Macey to join Hibernian earlier in the window and manager Mikel Arteta has been in the market for competition for Bernd Leno following a difficult start to life in north London for existing No 2 Alex Runarsson.
On Friday, Brighton confirmed Ryan, 28, would be moving to the Emirates in search of more game time.
The Australia international was Brighton’s first choice for more than three years before being dropped in favour of Rob Sanchez late last year,
‘Mat has been a great servant to the club in the Premier League, and he has played no small part for the club at this level,’ Brighton boss Graham Potter said.
‘We have incredible talent and competition at this club for just one position, and understandably, as Australia’s number one, Mat wants the chance of more regular opportunities.
‘Mat is a pleasure to work with, a consummate professional and someone who works incredibly hard at his game. We wish him well at Arsenal and will be watching his progress there.’
Ryan joined Albion in 2017, for a then club-record fee from Valencia. He has made 121 Premier League appearances for the club.
Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan is joining Arsenal on loan for the remainder of the season from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 28-year-old international has made 124 appearances since signing for the south-coast side in 2017.
Technical director Edu said: “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.”
Mikel Arteta said: “We know Mat very well through his performances with Brighton in recent seasons and he brings additional quality to our squad. 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.”
Born in Sydney, Mat played for Blacktown City and Central Coast Mariners in Australia between 2009 and 2013, before moving to Europe where he made more than 100 appearances for Club Brugge in Belgium. In 2015 he joined Valencia in Spain, where he spent two seasons, including a loan spell back in Belgium with Genk.
Mat has won 59 caps for the Australia national team, playing in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2015 and 2019 Asian Cups. He won the Best Goalkeeper award at the 2015 tournament which was played in Australia.
Mat will wear the number 33 shirt.