Former Arsenal Loanee Explains Why He Didn’t Join The Club Permanently

By The Editor
on 21st March 2022

Former Arsenal loanee Maty Ryan reveals why the summer deal didn’t happen…

Former Arsenal loanee Maty Ryan revealed that there were serious talks last summer about joining the club permanently after a successful loan spell, but the Gunners turned their attentions to Aaron Ramsdale, the goalkeeper told The Atheltic.

Ryan joined the club in a short-term loan deal during the winter window of last season from Brighton as the club looked for an adequate backup to Bernd Leno.

The Australian, a self-proclaimed boyhood Arsenal fan, made two appearances in the Premier League and certainly impressed Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard spoke glowingly about Ryan’s ability and made it clear that he was in contention for every Premier League and Europa League game.

However, once the season ended, Arsenal’s shortlist for a new goalkeeper was reshuffled and Ramsdale became the top target, though Ryan was told that he remained on the club’s list.

”I had a sit-down with Arteta at the end of the season,” Ryan narrated.

“It was all very positive. He said I’d exceeded everyone’s expectations and I gave him quite a lot of headaches in selection.

“His comment to me was, ‘I’m going to speak to the club about trying to sign you permanently.’

“Over the summer, we were waiting. The club never contacted us directly, then it got to the point where I had another offer (from Sociedad). We went back to Arsenal and they just said I wasn’t No 1 on their list. It was being documented that they were looking for a UK-based goalkeeper to fill the spot.

“It was pretty apparent they were looking for that, then (Aaron) Ramsdale signed before the end of the window,” the 29-year-old added.

Interestingly, the club were initially looking at someone who could complement Leno and eventually went for a shot-stopper who’s started all but two Premier League games since joining.

Ramsdale has revolutionised our expectations in that position and has certainly been one of the signings of the summer in the Premier League.

While Ryan was competent, no Arsenal fan is complaining about how our summer window turned out.