'Mikel Arteta wants him': Arsenal manager eager to sign 23-year-old star, club have replacement in hand
Arsenal are poised to sign one of La Liga’s best-performing goalkeepers this summer, according to Spanish outlet El Periodico.
The Gunners are set for a busy summer transfer window, and the club are anticipated to make multiple high-profile signings.
A marquee striker should be the main priority for manager Mikel Arteta, but El Periodico claim that a goalkeeper could be signed.
The publication add that the Gunners were interested in landing Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia at the start of the 2024/25 season.
‘Mikel Arteta still wants him’ as a strong competitor to compatriot David Raya next season.
Garcia’s contract has a £21 million release clause, which will increase to £25m during the final 15 days of the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Espanyol already have a replacement within their first-team squad.
In a recent interview, manager Manolo Gonzalez said that Angel Fortuno will be Garcia’s successor.
Arsenal most likely to land Garcia after last summer’s failure
The Gunners agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old last summer. They looked on course to sign him as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
However, a deal did not materialise as Espanyol refused to accept £17m for Garcia. They refused to negotiate days before the transfer deadline.
The situation is expected to be different later this year. Arsenal are likely to make an early proposal.
Espanyol are also open to providing a discount. It has been reported that the club could accept £17m without hesitation if Garcia departs early.
Arsenal appear in pole position to land Garcia, but the big question remains whether he would be happy to play second fiddle to Raya in the short term.
The 23-year-old could be limited to Cup appearances for the next few years at least. He could be guaranteed the number one position at another club.
Arteta may need to provide assurances of an important role in future to persuade him.
Garcia has made a stunning 101 saves in La Liga this campaign. He has completed almost 18 passes per game with six successful long balls.
The Spaniard’s strong reflexes have kept Espanyol out of the relegation zone, but there is work to do.
They are only two points ahead of the bottom three with a game in hand.
If Arsenal were to recruit Garcia, they would have one of the best deputy goalkeepers in world football.
Neto is presently the deputy on loan from Bournemouth, but he is expected to return to the Cherries.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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