Arsenal handed boost in signing Joan Garcia as he is not keen on joining Barcelona
Arsenal have been handed a boost in recruiting Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia due to his reluctance to join Barcelona.
The Gunners are eyeing a new backup goalkeeper this summer, with Neto expected to return to Bournemouth after his loan stint.
Garcia has been their long-term target and they have now received good news with the shot-stopper eyeing a move to English football.
A recent report claimed that the Blaugrana had agreed a deal in principle with Garcia. It has now been dismissed by Spanish sources.
The journalist wrote on X: “Joan García isn’t keen on joining Barça and has reportedly told Espanyol this in the last few hours. He prefers to go to the Premier League.”
The update is a huge boost for the Gunners, who had previously agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old during last summer’s transfer window.
They were reluctant to pay his release clause before the transfer deadline but may have to do so this time around with the increasing interest in him.
Garcia has personally acknowledged that Arsenal were strongly interested in him, but the big question remains whether they can convince him this summer.
Aston Villa and Bournemouth have also been credited with an interest in the Spanish sensation, who has made a stunning 145 saves in La Liga this campaign.
Villa are ‘expected‘ to part ways with Emiliano Martinez. The Midlands outfit could guarantee Garcia the number one position in the Premier League and Europa League matches.
Similarly, the Cherries could assure him regular minutes in the English top-flight. They need a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent the season on loan from Chelsea.
Arsenal have their work cut out to sign Garcia. He was a relatively unknown last summer, but his reputation has been enhanced with a superb campaign to keep Espanyol in La Liga.
He had a save success rate of 74 percent last term and also impressed with his distribution and high claims. Garcia has all the hallmarks to become a world-class goalkeeper in future.
Garcia’s decision to snub Barcelona is not a surprise, given their fierce rivalry with Espanyol.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can persuade the Spaniard amid interest from Villa and Bournemouth. He would be a bargain signing with a release clause of just £21 million.
Stats from Sofascore.com
