Arsenal sign goalkeeper Ryan from Brighton

ARSENAL have strengthened their goalkeeping department with the loan acquisition of Mat Ryan.

“Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan is joining us on loan for the remainder of the season from Brighton & Hove Albion,” the Gunners announced on Friday.

“The 28-year-old international has made 124 appearances since signing for the south-coast side in 2017.”

Former Arsenal midfielder and current Technical Director Edu highlighted Ryan’s experience as one of the reasons he was brought in.

“Mat is an experienced goalkeeper, a proven talent in the Premier League and has also played many internationals for Australia,” Edu said.

“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.”

Arsenal manager 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.

The loan agreement is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Arsenal.com.