Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan has joined the Gunners on loan until the end of the season.
Although Arsenal has a pretty woeful start to the season, Manager Mikel Arteta has started to turn things around with the Gunners unbeaten in the league since 19th December.
In a Tweet to announce the move, Ryan said he was, “Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I’ve got to contribute to the first club I ever loved.”
Arteta has been looking to bring in a no.2 stopper since selling Emiliano Martinez to Villa last summer.
Now, Ryan, who was expendable at the Seagulls after being dropped by manager Graham Potter, will challenge experienced stopper, Bernd Leno for the no.1 spot.
The 28-year-old, who vowed to give his all for the ‘first ever club I loved’ will wear no.33 for the Gunners.
In a statement on Gunners’ official website, 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.”
Meanwhile, Brighton manager Potter told his club’s official website, “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.
“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.”
Born in Sydney, Ryan 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 2015 he joined Valencia, where he spent two seasons, including a loan spell with Genk.
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