Arsenal may have to act quickly if they want to sign Joan Garcia this summer, with the goalkeeper’s release clause potentially set to increase as time passes.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol looks on during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at RCDE Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that Arsenal target Joan Garcia still has a €25m (£21.1m) release clause as it stands, but that could be set to change.
The clause will definitely increase to €30m in the final 15 days of the summer transfer window, if it takes that long for a club to make a bid for the Espanyol goalkeeper.
But the clause will also rise to €30m if Garcia is called up by the Spanish national team, which could happen in a matter of weeks. Spain are next in action on June 5th.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 01: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol celebrates victory following the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Another apparent reason for Arsenal to hurry is Espanyol’s willingness to do business before the end of the financial year.
Rumours on social media suggest that Espanyol need to bring in some cash before the beginning of July, so they will be willing to accept less than Garcia’s release clause (or the full €25m with more favourable payment terms) if a club makes a bid in June.
rcd espanyol de barcelona v sevilla fc la liga ea sports 2
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Arsenal were definitely interested in Garcia in the past, making a significant move to sign him last summer. But when talks didn’t pan out, the Gunners signed Neto on loan instead, seemingly with the intention of going back for the Espanyol player in 2025.
What changed is the arrival of Andrea Berta. It doesn’t appear that Berta is completely against the move, but McNicholas reports that if a more affordable option can be found, Berta could push to pivot away from Garcia.
So whilst there are reasons for Arsenal to move quickly, it doesn’t currently seem like they will.
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