Aston Villa have joined Arsenal in race to sign Espanyol sensation Joan Garcia
Aston Villa have joined Arsenal in the race to sign one of La Liga’s stand-out goalkeepers this season, according to Spanish outlet Marca (page 10).
The Gunners are likely to pursue another back-up goalkeeper this summer, with Bournemouth loanee Neto poised to leave at the end of the campaign.
Manager Mikel Arteta personally wanted to sign Espanyol star Joan Garcia last summer, as per Marca.
The Gunners remain in the pursuit of the 23-year-old Spaniard, but the club could face competition from Unai Emery’s Villa during the next transfer window.
Marca report that Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has received an interesting proposal from Saudi Arabia with a salary well above what he can be offered in Europe.
The Midlands outfit have identified Garcia as a potential successor. Real Madrid are also keeping tabs and may consider him if deputy goalkeeper Andriy Lunin departs.
Arsenal need to be proactive to land Garcia ahead of competition
The Gunners have had a long-term interest in the Olympic gold medalist. The club agreed personal terms with the shot-stopper last summer but could not get a deal over the line.
Arsenal made a late offer of £17m, but Espanyol refused to accept anything less than his release clause, which increased from £21m to £25m during the final 15 days of the transfer window.
The London giants are still keen on landing his services. The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Garcia would be open to joining the club ahead of next season.
The Spaniard also confirmed interest from Arsenal in an interview last month. Hence, the Gunners have the upper hand but must be proactive and secure an early transfer.
Garcia was relatively unknown at the start of last season, but he has been exceptional in La Liga this campaign, with 126 saves and just 42 goals conceded for Espanyol.
He has a save success rate of 75 percent with an average of 18 successful passes and six long balls.
Garcia has been brilliant with his reflexes and has also excelled with his high claims in the box.
Arteta seems desperate to land his compatriot. David Raya is an undisputed starter at the moment, but Garcia could be seen as a long-term successor to the 29-year-old.
Stats from Sofascore.com
