Mikel Arteta has made a number of signings since he took charge of Arsenal.
The Gunners’ manager was a rookie in management when he first got the job, but he has since developed into one of the best in the business.
Everyone remembers the players whom Arteta has signed on long-term deals, and many of them have been huge successes in the famous red and white.
One forgotten Arsenal man was a player who was only at the club on loan – Mathew Ryan. He could now be re-signed.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Arsenal could re-sign Mathew Ryan, five years after Mikel Arteta vowed to try and sign him
Arsenal signed Ryan on a six-month loan deal in January 2021.
The Australian played just three games for the Gunners in that short period, but he impressed everyone with his attitude behind the scenes.
Ryan, who called himself a ‘world-class’ goalkeeper back then, was under the impression that Arsenal would re-sign him on a permanent deal – because Mikel Arteta promised to try and get the deal done.
However, in the summer of 2021, Arsenal turned to Aaron Ramsdale instead.
Ryan told Flashscore earlier this summer: “Arteta actually told me as well that he would try and sign me permanently at the end of the season, but that summer, Aaron Ramsdale became available, and we all know how prized the kind of English goalkeeping position can be, because it allows teams to have another foreigner spot and stuff. And obviously they went down that route.”
The goalkeeper would’ve thought that the Arsenal chapter had closed, but a new door has opened up now.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has asked to leave the club, and among the names linked with a move to the Emirates to replace him is Ryan.
The Aussie is 34 already and available as a free agent. He is one of four names Arsenal are currently considering should Kepa end up leaving.
Will Kepa Arrizabalaga play another game for Arsenal?
Mathew Ryan is not good enough for Arsenal
Ryan is hugely experienced in the Premier League, knows Arteta’s demands well and is a decent goalkeeper who can do a job every now and again.
However, the problem with the Australian is the same as what the issue was with Kepa.
Ryan is never going to be on David Raya’s level, so he is not going to push the Spaniard to his very best level in training.
That could lead to complacency, which is not what Arsenal need right now.
Andrea Berta should focus on signing a young, hungry goalkeeper who will have an eye on the number one spot. That will increase the competition behind the scenes and make both players better.
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