Arsenal ready to move quickly for top target amid growing interest from Barcelona

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Arsenal are preparing to make an early move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the summer transfer window, with Barcelona also showing strong interest in the highly-rated Spaniard.

The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the standout shot-stoppers in European football this season. He currently leads La Liga in saves and boasts the highest number of high claims among goalkeepers across Europe’s top five leagues.

Arsenal are long-time admirers of García and came close to securing his signature last summer before opting to bring in Neto on loan from Bournemouth. However, the North London club have continued to track his progress and remain determined to secure his services at the end of the season.

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“There was lots of interest last summer, above all from Arsenal, but I stayed here and from then on I have been 100% focused on this campaign,” García recently told reporters. “We all know the situation, not just mine, but of the club, and anything can happen. But the future will tell and we will worry about it when the time comes.”

García’s release clause is set at €25 million, but that figure could rise to €30 million if he receives a Spain national team call-up or if any deal is delayed until the final two weeks of the transfer window—though neither condition appears likely at this stage.

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While Barcelona are monitoring the situation and are expected to face García in the upcoming Catalan derby, they have yet to make an official approach. Meanwhile, the goalkeeper is also attracting interest from a host of European giants, including Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayer Leverkusen.

According to The Mirror, new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has yet to make direct contact with García or his representatives, marking a shift from the club’s previous recruitment strategy, which was often more aggressive. Still, Arsenal are expected to act swiftly once the current season ends, with the goalkeeper position remaining a key area for reinforcement.

García is reportedly open to a move to the Emirates and is said to be willing to compete with David Raya for the No. 1 spot if a deal materialises. Arsenal are hopeful of concluding the transfer early in the window to avoid a potential bidding war and to give manager Mikel Arteta as much time as possible to integrate new signings into his squad.

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