Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explains why they signed Brighton goalkeeper Maty Ryan

Maty Ryan has agreed to a loan deal at Arsenal

The 28-year-old Australian international joined Albion in June 2017 shortly after the club were promoted to the Premier League.

Ryan tweeted: "Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I’ve got to contribute to the first club I ever loved.

He was the club’s first choice for almost three and a half seasons, before being overtaken by Rob Sanchez in mid-December.

Head coach Graham Potter explained, “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.

“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.

“Mat is a pleasure to work with, a consummate professional and someone who works incredibly hard at his game. We wish him well at Arsenal and will be watching his progress there.”

Ryan has made 121 Premier League appearances for Albion, keeping 28 clean sheets along the way.

One of his standout moments was his late penalty save at Stoke City in February 2018, which secured a vital point during Albion’s first season in the Premier League.

He joined Albion for a then club-record fee from Valencia on a five-year deal in 2017, having spent the previous season on loan at Genk.

Signing another goalkeeper was a priority for FA Cup holders Arsenal in the current window and Ryan has now filled that void.

“We know Mat very well through his performances with Brighton in recent seasons and he brings additional quality to our squad,” said manager Mikel 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 agreement does not include an option to buy and Ryan will go straight into the squad for Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Southampton on Saturday.

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

Runarsson was 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.