Arsenal confirm Mathew Ryan loan

Arsenal have confirmed that Brighton backup keeper Mathew Ryan will join the club on loan for the rest of the season. The Australian international lost his starting spot earlier this season and lately hadn’t even been named to the bench by manager Graham Potter.

Ryan joined Brighton from Valencia in 2017 and made 121 appearances on the south coast. He also played all three matches of the both the 2014 and 2018 World Cups for Australia. He will wear #33 at Arsenal, the number last worn by Petr Cech.

This move is exactly what Arsenal needed. Ryan is a solid, Premier League tested and capable keeper to back up Bernd Leno. Because while Alex Runarsson may be a suitable backup in the future, his performances this season have shown that he is not ready for the PL. Arsenal have indicated that they are open to Runarsson heading out on loan for the remainder of this season in search of a starting role.

Ryan is a Gooner; he grew up supporting Arsenal. Obviously while that makes little difference on the pitch, it’s fun to have guys at the club who were fans as kids. Welcome to North London, Mathew.