There is a high possibility that Arsenal will finish second in the Premier League for a third successive season, this time to Arne Slot’s Liverpool rather than Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta has constantly led the Gunners to a title battle in recent years, but has been unable to get them over the line and end their two-decade wait for a league triumph.
If they are to go one better in 2025/26, the hierarchy will have to back the manager in the transfer market to make the additions he desires to his first team squad.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
There’s no denying that the Spaniard has serious qualities in various areas, but that’s not enough, with depth needed in key departments to sustain their ambitions in various competitions.
With the window just around the corner, new sporting director Andrea Berta has already wasted no time in drawing up his shortlist of potential targets for the off-season.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer
Additions are expected across the pitch for Arsenal this summer, mainly to avoid the injury crisis the side has often endured for large parts of the current campaign.
Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen is the latest defender on their shortlist ahead of the window, with the Spaniard scoring against Arteta’s men on Saturday afternoon.
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However, the 20-year-old isn’t the only defensive target on the agenda for the coming months, with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia also on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.
Their report states that the Gunners are preparing a £25m bid for the 24-year-old who has remerged as a target after previously being of interest just under 12 months ago.
It also claims that he’s seen as a quality competitor to David Raya for the number one position, but more importantly handing Arteta the depth needed in such an area.
Why Arsenal’s £25m target would make Saliba & Gabriel unplayable
Gabriel and William Saliba have been Arsenal’s go-to centre-back pairing when they’ve been fully fit in 2024/25, leading to their ambitions of securing the Premier League title.
Saliba-Isak-Arsenal-Newcastle
Arteta’s side have conceded just 31 goals in their 35 league outings, currently boasting the best record in the division - an average of just 0.8 goals conceded per 90.
The pair have contributed to the club’s tally of 14 clean sheets this season, with only Nottingham Forest keeping more to date - showcasing their impressive work in the defensive department.
However, such a record could be bolstered in 2025/26 by the potential addition of Garcia, with the shot-stopper having the ability to take such feats to new levels.
When delving into his stats in LaLiga this campaign, his talents are there for all to see, improving the situation within the backline for Arteta.
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He’s even managed to outperform current number one Raya in multiple key areas, outlining the pressure he could put on his compatriot should he move to the Emirates.
The 24-year-old, who’s been labelled “colossus” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has achieved a higher save percentage this season, along with more saves per 90 - showcasing his ability between the sticks.
How Garcia compares to Raya in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Clean sheets
Save percentage
Saves per 90
Short passes completed
Crosses stopped
Shots-on-target faced
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed the same percentage of passes to date, along with more crosses stopped per 90 - offering Arteta a more all-round presence at the back.
£25m in today’s market is a bargain, especially for a player who possesses the quality like Garcia, as demonstrated by the figures he has produced in 2024/25.
If he were to make the switch to North London, he would be able to add yet more defensive quality to the already impressive backline, subsequently aiding Gabriel and Saliba’s chances of becoming unplayable.
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