Arsenal and Bournemouth are among the Premier League clubs expected to compete for the signing of highly-rated Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.
The Spaniard has drawn the attention of numerous top-flight clubs with his performances in LaLiga this season.
Garcia reportedly has a release clause of £17million which would rise to £21m if he is called up to the senior Spain squad.
Bournemouth currently have Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea, but striking a permanent deal is unlikely, considering the Spaniard earns about £200,000 a week at the Blues.
It is understood Bournemouth have been paying less than half of Arrizabalaga’s wages this season.
Neto will return from his loan at Arsenal but his deal expires in June, possibly leaving the Cherries without a first-choice goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be without a second-choice goalkeeper – an unfavourable position to be in considering Mikel Arteta has signed six goalkeepers during his tenure at Arsenal.
Under Arteta’s regime, the Gunners have loaned Neto and Mat Ryan, while Runar Alex Runarsson, Matt Turner, Alex Ramsdale and David Raya were all permanent signings.
The identity of Arsenal in recent years has been defined by the man in between the sticks – with Raya widely considered one of the best signings of the Arteta era.
Despite Aaron Ramsdale’s success, Raya was brought in from Brentford on a loan with an obligation to buy in 2023.
Raya assumed the No.1 spot, forcing Ramsdale to leave for Southampton the following campaign.
The signing of Garcia could present Raya with a similar situation to the one he placed Ramsdale in previously.
The 23-year-old would most likely have to settle for the No.2 spot in north London, as ousting Raya will be a hard task.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, could offer the prospect of guaranteed first-team football.
Garcia has arguably been the best goalkeeper in La Liga this season, making the most saves in the division (127).
He also earned a man of the match award when Espanyol beat Real Madrid 1-0 in February.
It will also be a busy outgoing summer for Arsenal as Jorginho is likely to leave on a free transfer.
Flamengo reportedly remain in discussions with the midfielder’s representatives.
