Arsenal are the team most likely to seal the signature of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to reports in the Spanish media.
The 24-year-old has attracted a lot of interest following his excellent performances in La Liga this season.
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However, Madrid-based publication AS claim that the Gunners are “quite advanced” in talks to secure Garcia’s services ahead of the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta’s side tried and failed to snap up the Spaniard last summer, reportedly having a €20m (£17m) bid rejected by Espanyol.
However, they have kept in touch with Garcia and his representatives so they are well positioned to sign him.
4 other English teams are now interested in the Arsenal target
AS report that Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Bournemouth are among Garcia’s other suitors, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen are also in the mix.
With the keeper having a €25m (£21m) release clause in his contract, the main priority is to get an agreement on personal terms, and it appears the Gunners have made the most progress in discussions with his agents.
Garcia would provide competition for Raya
Neto will return to Bournemouth when his loan deal expires at the end of next month so signing a new understudy for David Raya is high up the list of priorities for Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.
Whether Garcia would be content with sitting on the bench, it is up for debate. However, he may have confidence in his ability to usurp Raya as No.1.
Considering Arsenal’s longstanding interest in Garcia, there is a decent chance that this deal will go ahead if they can see off competition from other teams, which seems to be growing by the day.
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