Former Arteta signing agrees shock transfer move, he could’ve solved one Arsenal problem again

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Arsenal have signed several goalkeepers under Mikel Arteta, and could be set to sign even more this summer.

Arteta has signed and sold a number of first-choice and backup goalkeepers including Bernd Leno and Emi Martinez, and he now looks likely to sell Aaron Ramsdale this summer.

David Raya is now the first-choice option, but backups are still needed. Youngster Tommy Setford is set to arrive from Ajax, whilst Arsenal had a bid for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley rejected.

Arsenal are looking for a third-choice option, as well as a second-choice goalkeeper to replace Ramsdale if he departs, and the free agent market could be useful in this regard. One player has now moved, and a return to the Emirates could have solved this problem.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Ryan joins Roma

Arsenal sprung a surprise in January 2021 when they announced the loan signing of Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Brighton.

Ryan replaced Runar Alex Runarsson on the bench as Arsenal desperately needed a backup to Leno, and he played in three games, conceding twice and keeping one clean sheet.

He since moved on to Real Sociedad and has played for several clubs since, most recently AZ Alkamaar in The Netherlands.

Ryan has now signed for Roma in something of a surprise, with the 32-year-old joining as a backup option, and he expressed his delight at the move.

“Thanks for the welcome. My first sensations are obviously of great enthusiasm,” he stated.

“I want to thank the club and the owners for giving me the chance to be here. I have already felt strong support from the fans and I can’t wait to receive even more.”

Mat Ryan Arsenal return could have solved problem

Arsenal could have done a lot worse than signing Ryan as a third-choice option on a free transfer, with the goalkeeper already well-acquainted with Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff.

Ryan would bring plenty of Premier League and International experience to the goalkeeping roster, serving the same role as Scott Carson does at Manchester City whilst on a low wage.

However, the only issue would have been his homegrown status. Arsenal’s pursuit of Bentley was partly motivated by his homegrown status as a former academy graduate, but Ryan would not fulfil this quota.

If this is to be a crucial factor in the goalkeeper hunt, then Ryan would not have been the right option, but purely as a third-choice option, he could have been a useful addition to the dressing room.