Mat Ryan has told Fox Sports that he wants to be at Arsenal next season.
The Australia international spent the second half of this season on loan at Arsenal from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 29-year-old is a boyhood Arsenal fan, and the goalkeeper hopes that he gets to turn out for the Gunners next season and beyond.
Ryan told Fox Sports: “I’ve got full faith in the team around me – my agent, family, friends – that we’re going to get a couple of options hopefully and go about making what’s going to be the best decision for me.
“Hopefully, Arsenal becomes one of those options as well that we can look at and see what can happen there, but at the minute it’s still quite early. The season’s just finished. I’m taking it day by day and seeing where my journey takes me.”
The goalkeeper added: “I’ve learnt so much in my experiences (at Arsenal) so far, all that’s being with a club like that, the resources, the personnel, the quality on the pitch, the enormity of the club on a global aspect … it was so cool to be a part of.
“I was very fortunate but at the same time I worked hard to get a couple of opportunities. I set a couple of little goals when I signed with the club, ticking them off one by one.”
Mat Ryan back at Arsenal?
Ryan made three appearances in the Premier League during his loan spell at Arsenal.
The Australian was the second choice behind Bernd Leno, and he knows that.
That is not going to change, unless, of course, Leno leaves, which could well happen given that there is speculation on the future of the Germany International.
Ryan is a very good and experienced goalkeeper, and his aforementioned comments suggest that he really loves playing for Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta needs players such as Ryan in the dressing room.
The Australian lived his boyhood dream of playing for Arsenal, and it is clear that he will give his all while turning out for the Gunners.
It would make sense for Arsenal to sign Ryan on a permanent contract this summer.
Arsenal need a strong squad to compete for the Premier League top four next season, and someone like Ryan would help.
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