Arsenal are reportedly at the head of the queue for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with the Gunners said to be in pole position to secure his services during this summer’s transfer window.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Spaniard’s future, with Barcelona and Manchester United believed to have joined Arsenal in pursuit of the 23-year-old, who has had a strong campaign for Espanyol.
Arsenal are believed to have offered in the region of €20m (£16.6m) for Garcia last year, with the Gunners looking to sign a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, but Espanyol rejected the bid.
There is a €30m (£24.8m) release clause in his contract, but Espanyol director Fran Garagarza has said that the goalkeeper could leave for less than his buy-out fee during this summer’s transfer market.
“Clause or nothing? No. In the [last] summer window, with call from Arsenal in the last week, it has to be that [clause],” Garagarza said when asked about Arsenal’s interest last summer.
“But if you get an offer on June 14th that isn’t the clause but is close in fixed and variable amounts, Espanyol are not going to say no. We can’t say no. If a club comes with €8m (£6.6m) for Joan García, that’s a bad sale, 100%.”
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Arsenal ‘leading Barca, Man United’ in Garcia race
Barcelona are believed to be admirers of Garcia, with the Catalan giants said to be giving serious consideration to making a move for him.
Man United, meanwhile, are in a situation where all three first-team goalkeepers could leave this summer, with number three Tom Heaton out of contract, while Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir are both being linked with exits.
Bayindir could depart to become a number one elsewhere, while Onana’s performances between the sticks continue to be called into question, and the Cameroonian could be replaced this summer.
However, according to Cadena SER, it is Arsenal that are leading the race for Garcia, with Mikel Arteta‘s side currently best-placed to secure his signature during the upcoming market.
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Do Barcelona need a new goalkeeper this summer?
Due to Onana’s struggles, and the uncertainty surrounding Bayindir’s future, it is not difficult to understand why Man United are keen to bring in a new goalkeeper, while Arsenal want a stopper capable of pushing David Raya for the number one spot.
Barcelona, though, will soon have Marc-Andre ter Stegen back from a serious knee injury, with the Germany international potentially returning to action before the end of the campaign.
Wojciech Szczesny, meanwhile, has excelled for Hansi Flick‘s side since his arrival, and there is a strong chance that the experienced goalkeeper will sign another one-year contract at Camp Nou.
As a result, Barcelona’s desire to sign a new goalkeeper could wait another 12 months, as it is difficult to see where Garcia would fit into the set-up next season considering Ter Stegen’s status.
