‘He is aiming at Arsenal’: Joan Garcia has his sights on joining the Gunners this summer
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is aiming to join Arsenal when the transfer window reopens, according to Spanish outlet AS (page 12).
The Gunners will likely enter the transfer market for a new shot-stopper with Neto poised to return to Bournemouth after his loan deal.
Garcia was the priority target to replace Aaron Ramsdale last summer, but a deal did not materialise before the transfer deadline.
Arsenal are still ‘pushing’ for his signature and AS claim that the 24-year-old is ‘aiming at Arsenal’ as he prepares to leave Espanyol.
However, there is increasing interest with Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid among the long list of admirers from Europe.
Garcia has a release clause worth £21 million in his contract. The figure will increase to £25m if he is called up by Spain or not sold until the final 15 days of the transfer window.
AS claim that neither is likely to happen. The Spaniard is poised to secure an early summer exit.
Arsenal in pole position to land Garcia
The Gunners have have an undisputed first-choice goalkeeper in David Raya. The 29-year-old has been outstanding this campaign with several world-class saves.
Despite this, manager Mikel Arteta may want strong competition for places. Arsenal have Karl Hein in their ranks (on loan), but the 23-year-old has not been considered yet.
Tommy Setford and Jack Porter are academy talents with potential but the club will undoubtedly want a proven shot-stopper behind Raya for the 2025/26 campaign.
Garcia would be a fabulous addition to the squad. He has made a splendid 137 saves in La Liga this campaign with an impressive success rate of 75 percent.
The Spaniard has played a big part in Espanyol avoiding the drop. He has also caught the eye with his penalty saving skills, long balls and high claims in the box.
Garcia is one of the best goalkeepers in Spanish football at the current point and the Gunners could see him as a long-term successor to Raya between the sticks.
The goalkeeper agreed personal terms with Arsenal last summer and was keen on the move. He also recently confirmed that there was strong interest from the Gunners.
Hence, a deal appears straightforward for the Gunners, but they must secure an agreement as soon as the transfer window reopens to avoid the possibility of a hijack.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
