Arsenal sign goalkeeper Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton

Arsenal have signed Brighton’s Mat Ryan on loan until the end of the season, to provide competition for first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Ryan has recently fallen out of favour at the Amex and has not played since a 3-0 defeat at Leicester in mid-December.

Arsenal have been looking for a new back-up to Leno as Alex Runarsson, signed in the summer, has failed to impress.

Mikel Arteta said earlier this month that Arsenal were looking for a “different solution” to their goalkeeping issues in January and Ryan has been identified as a player who is ready for Premier League action.

It follows the departure of third-choice goalkeeper Matt Macey, who has joined Hibernian. Ryan has made 59 appearances for Australia and was previously Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League.

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

Arteta added: “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.”

Graham Potter, the Brighton head coach, described Ryan as a “consummate professional”, adding: “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.”