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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Mat Ryan's Arsenal shirt number confirmed after shock move from Brighton

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

The 28-year-old has been out of favour on the south coast and will now provide back-up to Bernd Leno.

The Gunners had been keen to add a goalkeeper in January after summer signing Alex Runarsson had struggled during his few outings.

Runarsson had initially signed to be the club's third-choice stopper but Arsenal were unable to sign a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who left for Aston Villa.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made signing another goalkeeper a priority in the current window and Ryan has now filled that void.

Arsenal have signed Mat Ryan from Brighton on loan until the end of the season (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"We know Mat very well through his performances with Brighton in recent seasons and he brings additional quality to our squad," said Arteta.

"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."

The Australian international will wear the No.33 shirt at the club he has supported since he was a boy.

Ryan joined Brighton from Valencia following their promotion to the Premier League and established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper.

What are your thoughts on Arsenal's new signing? Have your say below.

Ryan will don the No.33 shirt at the Emirates (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

That changed this season as Rob Sanchez was drafted into the first-team by head coach Graham Potter, leaving Ryan on the sidelines.

"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," Potter said.

"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."

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