Pundit feels 'cheap money' deal on loan signing win-win for Arsenal (original) (raw)

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell feels the permanent signing of goalkeeper Mat Ryan this summer ticks all boxes for the Gunners.

Ryan, 29, was signed on loan in the January transfer window to act as back-up to Bernd Leno. After starting 11 Premier League games for Brighton in 2020-2021, the Australia international lost his first-team place to Robert Sanchez. Seagulls chief Graham Potter allowed him to leave on loan and he headed to the Emirates.

Opportunities have been few and far between, with just two top-flight appearances for the north Londoners. It was revealed by_ Football Insider_ earlier this week that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Ryan on a permanent basis.

A fee of between £3m and £5m has been mentioned for the former Valencia shot-stopper. And Campbell sees nothing but good news if a deal can be done on those figures.

“I think that is really smart,” he told football Insider. “Mat Ryan is enjoying it at Arsenal and they’ve enjoyed having him at the club. He is an Arsenal fan so he has that love for the club as well.

“If we can get him for £4million that is cheap money. Let’s be honest £4million is nothing these days.”

It seems as though the man from New South Wales does not have a future at the Amex Stadium. Therefore it appears likely that Brighton will want him off their wage bill and a move to Arsenal appeals.

He is said to have impressed the club’s coaching staff with his attitude despite rarely seeing any senior action.

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Ryan to stay at number two

It is always tough for a keeper to make a move in the knowledge that they are likely to act as back-up. But a run in cup competitions and possibly a return to European competition will certainly help matters.

Leno is the undisputed number one goalkeeper at the club. And the 29-year-old Germany international is under contract until the summer of 2023.

Therefore it is unlikely that Ryan will see too much Premier League game time. But Campbell, who played 228 league games for Arsenal, believes it would still be a solid move.

“It would definitely be good business to get him signed on a permanent deal because he is a good backup option to have,” he added.

The Gunners are next in action when they travel to Villarreal on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.