Arsenal are set to open talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over the permanent signing of Mat Ryan, according to a report.

Newcastle United v Arsenal - Premier League - Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Ryan saves a shot during the Premier League match at St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Issue date: Sunday, May 2, 2021. Copyright: Lindsey Parnaby
Newcastle United v Arsenal – Premier League – Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Ryan saves a shot during the Premier League match at St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Issue date: Sunday, May 2, 2021. Copyright: Lindsey Parnaby

Football.London report that Arsenal are ready to do business with their current backup goalkeepers this summer. Talks are reportedly set to begin with Brighton over a permanent deal for loanee Mat Ryan, whilst Runar Alex Runarsson is available to leave on loan.

29-year-old Ryan joined Arsenal from Brighton on loan in January, with the club lacking a strong and experienced backup goalkeeper after Emi Martinez’s departure.

The Australian international has made three appearances so far and kept one clean sheet, only conceding two goals – to a deflection and a penalty.

Ryan is clearly ahead of Runarsson in the pecking order. Though he was missing for Arsenal’s game against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend after an illness, he makes the squad whenever he’s available.

Arsenal also made the goalkeeper hierarchy pretty clear when they chose to list Ryan over Runarsson in the Europa League squad for the knockout stages, with constraints on numbers leaving them needing to exclude someone.

Ryan isn’t a perfect signing, given he isn’t homegrown and his form for Brighton earlier this season was a bit worrying. But he’s doing well for Arsenal and with his parent club seemingly open to selling, the move makes sense.