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Arsenal target Joan Garcia has addressed growing speculation over a potential move to Barcelona but insists he has yet to make a final decision about his future.
The Espanyol goalkeeper enjoyed a standout campaign despite the club’s struggles in La Liga, helping them narrowly avoid relegation with a crucial final-day victory over Las Palmas. Garcia, 24, recorded the most saves in the Spanish top flight this season (146) and was rewarded with the Dani Jarque award, given to Espanyol’s best player of the season.
Despite his heroics, Espanyol are increasingly resigned to losing their star shot-stopper this summer. Both Arsenal and Barcelona have shown strong interest, with the Gunners reportedly close to sealing a deal last year before negotiations fell apart due to their failure to meet Espanyol’s valuation.
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Barcelona have since emerged as frontrunners, with reports from Spain suggesting the Catalan giants have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Garcia. However, the Spain U23 international has urged caution, stressing that nothing has been decided.
Joan Garcia (Image credit: Getty Images)“News is always coming out in football,” Garcia told Tot Gira. “Until things become a reality, it’s not always the truth. But I’m very calm. Whatever decision I have to make, I’ll think about it carefully with my people and choose what’s best for me.”
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Garcia’s release clause remains at €25 million (£21 million), although it could have risen to €30 million (£25 million) had he received a senior call-up for Spain’s UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with France — a selection that ultimately didn’t come.
Barcelona reportedly view Garcia as a long-term successor to Marc-André ter Stegen, but the plan would be to sign him this summer and loan him out to another La Liga side for the 2025/26 season. Both Real Betis and Valencia are said to be interested in securing him on a temporary basis.
Arsenal, meanwhile, may still revive their interest as Mikel Arteta considers long-term options between the posts.
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