Arsenal Sign Brighton Goalkeeper On Loan
Arsenal have signed Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan on loan until the end of the season.
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.
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 No 1, 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, reported to be more than £5m, from Valencia. He has made 121 Premier League appearances for the club.
He has played 11 times in the league this season already, but has not appeared since Brighton’s 3-0 defeat by Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in mid-December.
Gunners boss Arteta had suggested earlier this month that competition in goal was a priority after letting Emiliano Martinez go in the summer.
