Mat Ryan has no shortage of suitors as interest mounts in the Australian international from Spanish and French clubs, with Arsenal also in the hunt.
A report from Sky Sports suggests growing interest from clubs across Europe in Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan. The Australian is the subject of transfer talk this summer with Arsenal keen, alongside clubs from France and Spain. The shot-stopper is keen on a move from the seagulls as he seeks first-team opportunities.
Life looked good for Ryan at Brighton, who he joined from Valencia, making 123 appearances and keeping 27 clean sheets. During the 2020/21 season, his place was usurped by Spaniard Robert Sanchez, who has become the Seagulls’ automatic choice between the sticks since. Ryan now seeks a permanent transfer.
The reported interest comes from Spain and France, where he has admirers. Ryan is thought to be looking at a chance to be No.1 again at the club he plays, something Brighton cannot offer at the moment. His contract at the clubs also has a year to run, and Brighton are keen to cash in.
Ryan will look to assess his options in the coming weeks once he has a complete understanding of the proposals on the table before making a final decision. Alternatively, Ryan could also continue his relationship with Arsenal and most likely play deputy to Bernd Leno or whoever the Gunners bring in if the German is to depart.
The Gunners are thought to be in the market for a top goalkeeper. Although Ryan features on their list, he certainly does not represent their target for the first-choice goalkeeper. Arsenal are keen on Ajax’s Andre Onana after his doping ban sentence was reduced recently.
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Either way, Arsenal will firm up their offer for Ryan in the coming days, with the hope of bringing the Australian back to the club. Ryan spent the second half of last season at the Emirates on loan, and Arsenal are reportedly ready to spend £5 million to secure his services.
Arsenal have been unhappy with last summer’s recruit Runar Alex Runarsson, and it was also the main reason Ryan was brought in. With the Gunners’ interest more or less solid, it will depend on Ryan’s final decision, and whether he joins Arsenal or pursues an opportunity to be No.1 elsewhere.
