One of Mikel Arteta’s top targets could be available for just £12 million in the summer and Arsenal are expected to make their move for him.
That player is Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia who has a clause in his current contract which could half his current release clause.
Mikel Arteta is keen to sign competition for David Raya and he is looking at the 23-year-old as the man to act as number two for the Gunners.
Garcia has been really impressive in La Liga this season and the North London club are ready to launch another attempt to bring him to the English capital.
Arsenal expected to return for Joan Garcia and could get him for £12m
Joan Garcia has a £25 million release clause at Espanyol which could drop to £12 million if his team are relegated from La Liga, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Arsenal are expected to return for the goalkeeper, who Mundo Deportivo describe as ‘excellent’, in the summer with Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza expecting to sell Garcia.
Mikel Arteta’s side tried to sign Garcia last summer, however, the Gunners saw their two offers for him on transfer deadline day rejected.
Arsenal remain keen on Garcia and they are likely to make a renewed effort to bring him to the Emirates when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.
Raya remains one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers but an injury to the Spaniard and the North London club would be in trouble.
Joan Garcia becoming one of La Liga’s best goalkeepers
Garcia has been one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga this season and is showing exactly why he could be perfect for Arteta’s team.
The youngster managed to save two penalties on the weekend against Mallorca and nearly saved a third in Espanyol’s 2-1 defeat.
Garcia’s omission from Luis De la Fuente’s Spanish squad was a major surprise given his recent standout performances.
