Arsenal are gradually laying the foundations for a summer squad overhaul in their bid to be back in Europe’s most elite competition, the UEFA Champions League.
Many positions will be strengthened in the summer, with goalkeeping being one of them. The Gunners temporarily addressed the situation of a back-up goalkeeper by signing Mat Ryan from Brighton and Hove Albion on loan in January.
Now reports have emerged that his long-term future has been settled, with the North-London side expecting to sign him permanently.
That can be a shrewd piece of business by the club, who will acquire the services of the Australian for no fee at all.
The 28-year-old brings vast experience with him. He has plied his trade in Spain (Valencia), Belgium (Genk and club Brugge) and Australia.
The goalkeeper also established himself as a Premier League proven goalkeeper at Brighton, winning 121 appearances for the team.
After Emi Martinez left the Emirates for Aston Villa last summer, Arsenal were desperate to add a body in the goalkeeping department.
They were linked to names such as Brentford’s David Raya and Newcastle’s rookie Freddie Woodman.
However, the club listened to the advice of their goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana Pavon who recommended the Gunners to sign Dijon’s Alex Runnarsson.
Mikel Arteta has already claimed that the Iceland international “knew his role” before signing for the English team, which made the acquisition of Mat Ryan in January sensible.
With the signing of Ryan, The Gunners can strengthen several other positions in the squad with added finances.
If Ryan is free, I dont mind at all.
Back up GK is a position we shouldn’t spend limited budget on.
Makes sense – solid back-up.
get someone that’s taller, has some sweeper skills and more youthful…they should have an extensive list following the supposedly exhaustive search they conducted last year…that said, that search led to the tire fire formally known as Runar the Great(disappointment)
A most sensible signing, if this is the case.
The player says he loves the club and is a supporter – he knows his position/role at the club – he knows /played in the PL – he allows MA to use whatever budget he may have on other positions, safe in the knowledge that he has two experienced and professional keepers, who will keep each other on their toes.
Good business Mikel and Edu.
Ken, agree 100%.