Arsenal make first January shock signing

Mat Ryan joins Arsenal [Arsenal - Twitter]

Arsenal have completed the signing of Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan on loan until the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to add a new goalkeeper to back-up Bernd Leno despite the summer signing of Alex Runarsson.

And he has now acted to bring in Australian ace Ryan from fellow Premier League club Brighton on a temporary move.

The Gunners sold Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa in the summer whilst academy graduate Matt Macey left for Hibernian this month.

Ryan, meanwhile, has fallen second behind Rob Sanchez in the pecking order at Brighton after almost three and a half seasons as their first choice stopper.

Ryan will wear the No.33 shirt after his loan move from Brighton (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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.”

Technical director Edu added: “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.”

Signing for the club you grew up supporting as a kid ?? @Arsenal

Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I’ve got to contribute to the first club I ever loved. pic.twitter.com/IUohEjFKVK — Maty Ryan (@MatyRyan) January 22, 2021

Brighton manager Graham Potter explained, “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 number one, Mat wants the chance of more regular opportunities.