Manager confirms Arsenal target will snub other clubs in favour of Premier League move
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have been handed fresh hope in their pursuit of highly rated Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia, after Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez cast serious doubt on a proposed move to Barcelona.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper enjoyed a standout campaign with Espanyol, earning the Dani Jarque award as the club’s best player of the season and making a league-high 146 saves. Despite Espanyol’s struggles, Garcia’s performances have marked him as one of the finest young goalkeepers in La Liga — and a target for top European clubs.
Arsenal’s interest in Garcia dates back to last summer when the Gunners reportedly came close to securing his signature, only for the deal to collapse at the final stages. With Aaron Ramsdale’s future uncertain and David Raya yet to be confirmed on a permanent basis, Arsenal are once again believed to be firmly in the hunt for the Spaniard.
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Recent reports suggested that Barcelona had moved ahead in the race, with claims that the La Liga champions had agreed a deal in principle to sign Garcia. However, Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez poured cold water on those rumours this week, stating emphatically that a move to the Camp Nou is unlikely.
Arsenal are still interested in Joan Garcia (Image credit: Getty Images)“Maybe he’s already sold, but the club hasn’t told me anything,” Gonzalez told Radio Galega’s AoContraataque programme. “Personally, I highly doubt that he will sign for Barcelona. I’m not saying I’d cut off one of my hands, but it’s close.”
Garcia himself added to the uncertainty surrounding his future, refusing to confirm a decision and hinting he’s still weighing his options. “Until things become a reality, it’s not always the truth,” he said in an interview with Tot Gira. “Whatever needs to be decided, I’ll definitely think about it a lot with my people and choose what will be best for me.”
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Arsenal are said to remain keen on the player, who has a €25 million (£21m) release clause in his contract. That figure would have risen to €30 million (£25m) had Garcia been called up to Spain’s senior squad for the upcoming Nations League semi-final against France, but he was left out in favour of Unai Simon, David Raya and Alex Remiro.
With Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also distancing himself from the speculation — saying, “Joan Garcia? I don’t talk about players who aren’t in my team. We already have three fantastic goalkeepers” — the door appears wide open for Arsenal to make a renewed push.
Given Garcia’s contract at Espanyol runs until 2028, any deal would require serious financial commitment. But with Arsenal eyeing long-term solutions between the posts, the Gunners could be poised to revive their interest and finally land a keeper who slipped through their grasp just a year ago.
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