Arsenal reportedly have a ‘clear edge’ to sign Espanyol star Joan García, as per Spanish outlet AS.
The Gunners have been in pursuit of the Spaniard since last summer as following Aaron Ramsdale’s departure, they attempted to hire him to support David Raya.
However, an agreement couldn’t be found before the deadline. So, the player stayed at RCDE Stadium, and Mikel Arteta’s side opted to hire Neto on a loan deal from AFC Bournemouth to add depth in the goalkeeping department. However, the Brazilian is likely to return to his parent club at the end of this term
After staying at Espanyol, García has enjoyed a stellar campaign in La Liga this season, keeping seven clean sheets with a 74% save rate in 35 appearances.
He has helped his side keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid and away against Atletico Madrid. Moreover, the 24-year-old has been the main man in the Catalan side’s quest for survival this season.
Now, while translating the print version of AS, Sport Witness report that despite failing to purchase García last summer, Arsenal remain keen on securing his service.
Garcia to Arsenal
However, following the youngster’s eye-catching displays this season, the player has attracted a lot of attention as Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth, Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen have all registered their interest in signing him.
But García is aiming to join the North London club so they have a ‘clear edge’ in this race. The player has a £21m release clause in his current contract with his existing deal set to run until 2028, but the amount will increase to £25m for the final 15 days of the transfer window.
Raya, who is still just 29, is at the prime stage of his career and has three years left on his current contract. Therefore, if Arsenal sign García, it will create instability in the goalkeeping department as the Espanyol star is too good to play as a second fiddle.
Nevertheless, Garcia would be a great coup for Arsenal with a view to the long-term future and is available for a relatively cheap price, so they shouldn’t pass on an opportunity like this.