Arsenal, Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth have already been credited with interest in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. The Gunners even saw a €20m bid turned down last summer.
The 24-year-old is on the front page of today’s edition of Mundo Deportivo as Barcelona are looking at him.
Mundo mention Arsenal, Aston Villa and Bournemouth when covering Barcelona interest in the stopper.
Barcelona refused to make significant advances when Espanyol were fighting to stay in La Liga. The latter were successful in avoiding relegation after sealing a 2-0 win over UD Las Palmas at the weekend.
Therefore, the Spanish champions want to move in quickly for García, who has ‘strong offers’ from England, Italy and Germany.
Arsenal, Aston Villa and the Cherries are named as his suitors from England, indicating the trio have made offers. García would have to compete with David Raya, No.1 at the Emirates, if he were to join the Gunners.
Unai Emery is interested in his compatriot as the Villans are looking at a stopper in the upcoming window. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola presented a succulent offer and an interesting project to him in May. Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli are also in the picture.
Mundo state Barcelona intend to formalise interest and trigger his €25m release clause, after which García has to make a decision on his next step.
Hansi Flick’s side are optimistic of their chances of acquiring his signature because they feel Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli are all a ‘step below them’.