Arsenal not certain to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia amid growing interest
Arsenal are not assured of signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia during this summer’s transfer window, according to The Telegraph.
The 24-year-old was identified as Aaron Ramsdale’s replacement last summer, but a deal did not materialise before the transfer deadline.
Arsenal made a late offer worth £17 million, but Espanyol held out for his release clause, which increased from £21m to £25m for the final 15 days of the transfer window.
The Gunners are poised to return for the Spaniard this summer, and it has been claimed that the shot-stopper is aiming to join the club too.
However, The Telegraph report that nothing is assured at the current point of time.
Garcia’s move to Arsenal was a ‘near-certainty’ few months ago, but the picture seems ‘less clear’ due to his excellent season and interest from several other clubs.
Arsenal risk losing Garcia after long-term pursuit
The Gunners were hot on Garcia’s trail last summer. Personal terms were agreed with the goalkeeper, and he was eager to make the switch before the transfer deadline.
However, the club were reluctant to make a £25m outlay and ended up signing Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. The Brazilian is poised to return to the Cherries.
Garcia would be a fabulous understudy to David Raya. He has yet to earn an international call-up with Spain and has already established himself as one of La Liga’s best goalkeepers.
The 24-year-old has made almost four saves per game this season with a success rate of 75 percent. He has also impressed with his ball-playing ability and high claims in the box.
Garcia has the potential to become Arsenal’s number one in the long run, but the club have a big task on their hands to sign him, now that his reputation has been greatly enhanced.
He was an unknown after Espanyol’s promotion from La Liga 2 last year, but his exceptional performances between the sticks this campaign, should encourage plenty of transfer bids.
Aston Villa could be one of the major contenders, with Emiliano Martinez expected to leave.
Garcia could be an undisputed starter for Villa in the Premier League and European games. Unai Emery’s side have a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League with a top-five league finish.
If Arsenal want to land Garcia, they must start negotiations as soon as possible to avoid a possible hijack. Espanyol could be willing to provide a discount on the clause this time around.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
