‘Newcastle want to sign him now’: Magpies join race to sign Arsenal target Joan Garcia
Newcastle United want to land the signature of long-term Arsenal target Joan Garcia this summer, according to Sport (page 6).
The Gunners have monitored the Espanyol goalkeeper for the last 12-18 months, and they were close to signing him last summer.
Personal terms were agreed with the 24-year-old, but Arsenal refused to pay his release clause, which had increased from £21 million to £25m during the final 15 days of the transfer window.
Earlier this year, David Ornstein reported that manager Mikel Arteta still wants Garcia as a backup to David Raya, and the Spaniard ‘would be open’ to joining the club next season.
However, that now appears to be a distant possibility. Sport claim that Garcia ‘will only sign to be a starter’ if he were to leave Espanyol.
Barcelona are one of his admirers, but their chances are ‘very complicated’ as Marc-Andre ter Stegen has no plans to part ways.
Aston Villa have been mentioned as candidates too, but the Midlands outfit are dependent on Emiliano Martinez leaving them.
This has reportedly put the Magpies in pole position. ‘Newcastle want to sign him now’ and are ready to pay a significantly higher salary than what Barcelona can offer.
Arsenal’s waiting game has proved costly
The Gunners had earmarked Garcia as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale last summer.
Ramsdale’s late departure to Southampton meant Arsenal had no room for negotiations. Their proposal worth £17m for Garcia was turned down by Espanyol.
Arsenal were reluctant to spend more on a deputy shot-stopper, but they could rue the decision, considering Garcia’s immense progress over the last year.
The Spaniard was a relatively unknown figure when Espanyol were promoted to La Liga last year. He has gone on to become one of the most sought-after goalkeepers since.
Garcia was exceptional for Espanyol in La Liga last term with 145 saves. He had a save success rate of 74 percent, keeping eight clean sheets. He played a significant role in maintaining their top-flight status.
Aside from his superb reflexes, the goalkeeper also impressed with his distribution and high claims in the box. He has the potential to become world-class in years to come.
Garcia would be a fantastic deputy for Raya at Arsenal before becoming the number one in the long run. However, that is an unachievable dream at the current point of time.
Arsenal’s waiting game on Garcia has proved costly. They look poised to miss out on his signature. He could end up with the Magpies despite the club’s long-term pursuit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
