As Arsenal explore another move for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, the club’s goalkeeping department is poised for a significant summer reshuffle involving at least three exits.
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
Arsenal’s 2–2 comeback draw at Liverpool kept them firmly on course for Champions League football next season, but the conversation around the squad is already beginning to shift toward the summer rebuild. Among the questions facing the club is whether three senior and academy goalkeepers are set to leave in the next transfer window.
The club are once again in talks to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol, a target they missed out on last year. But beyond additions, there may be several departures.
Neto, brought in on loan from Bournemouth after Arsenal failed to land Garcia last summer, will return to the south coast.
GIRONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Neto of Arsenal warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on January 29, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
The 35-year-old made just one appearance for the club, a start in the Champions League against Girona, and was otherwise ineligible for the League Cup. His spell is likely to be remembered for the unusual circumstances that led to 16-year-old Jack Porter starting against Bolton, after injuries to David Raya and Neto’s cup-tied status left the club with no other options.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Jack Porter interacts with Gabriel of Arsenal after the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Brian Okonkwo, younger brother of former Arsenal keeper Arthur Okonkwo, appears certain to depart when his contract expires. The 19-year-old has spent the season on loan at Hitchin Town, but made just four appearances, conceding seven goals. Arthur joined Wrexham permanently last summer and Brian looks set to follow him out of the club.
Brian Okonkwo with Hitchin Town (Photo via Hitchin Town FC on Twitter)
Photo via Hitchin Town FC on Twitter
Karl Hein is another likely exit. On loan at Valladolid, Hein has drawn praise individually despite the Spanish side’s dire campaign. Relegation was confirmed weeks ago, and they sit bottom of the table with only 16 points.
Real Madrid's French forward #09 Kylian Mbappe (L) and Real Valladolid's Estonian goalkeeper #13 Karl Jakob Hein vie for the ball during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on August 25, 2024. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images
Despite the team’s form, Hein impressed enough against Real Madrid to earn praise from their president. But with one year left on his contract and the club signing Tommy Setford last summer as part of a wider goalkeeping refresh, Hein’s pathway at Arsenal looks blocked.
Between the planned arrival of Garcia and the steady rise of younger prospects, the club’s goalkeeping department could look significantly different when the new season begins. What’s clear is that for Neto, Brian Okonkwo, and Karl Hein, the door is open.
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