Brighton goalkeeper Maty Ryan has made a shock loan move to Arsenal for the rest of the season after losing his place as No 1 to Robert Sanchez, reports Andy Naylor.
The 28-year-old Australia international, who will wear the number 33 shirt at Arsenal, had been first choice since Brighton’s first season in the Premier League in 2017-18 after a £5.2 million move from Valencia.
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Sanchez took over the gloves for the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham in November and the 23-year-old Spaniard has been preferred by head coach Graham Potter for Brighton’s last seven Premier League fixtures.
Prior to dropping him for a second time for the 0-0 draw at Fulham in December, Potter told Ryan he was free to leave during the January transfer window if a suitable opportunity arose.
Why did Arsenal move for him?
Arsenal signed goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson from Ligue 1 side Dijon for £1.5 million in the summer transfer window, to replace the departing Emi Martinez.
As The Athletic revealed earlier this month, however, Arsenal were signing a back-up goalkeeper after being willing to let Runarsson depart the club on loan. The club recognised the need for the Iceland international to gain first-team experience and were open to letting the 25-year-old move temporarily if they could secure a replacement as back-up to Bernd Leno.
Arsenal saw Ryan as suitable cover for Leno, with a number of clubs in the Championship and across Europe interested in taking Runarsson for the second half of the campaign.
Why have Brighton let him go?
Ryan had been first choice at Brighton since he joined from Valencia in 2017, but was displaced by 23-year-old Robert Sanchez earlier this season after a series of mistakes.
The Australian has not featured in a Premier League squad since playing 90 minutes in Brighton’s 3-0 defeat against Leicester on December 13.
Jason Steele and Christian Walton have instead been on the bench, with Sanchez starting every league game since Ryan’s demotion.
What has been said?
Speaking about the move, Ryan posted on Twitter: “Signing for the club you grew up supporting as a kid. Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I’ve got to contribute to the first club I ever loved.”
Potter told Brighton's 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 number one, 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.”
(Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)