After their return to Champions League football for next season, Newcastle United will once again compete with the likes of Arsenal in the transfer market.
Newcastle have considerable funds available to improve Eddie Howe’s squad this summer, one that currently lacks depth for a European campaign.
Howe’s starting eleven is arguably strong enough to compete at the top of the Premier League when all are fit, but one or two injuries change things dramatically.
That being said, Arsenal are also preparing to attack this summer’s transfer window to boost their own hopes of silverware next season.
And Mikel Arteta might now be going head to head with Howe for a Spanish talent who’s on the radar of several English clubs right now.
Joan Garcia is keen to join Newcastle amid Arsenal doubts
Despite how well-stacked Newcastle’s goalkeeping department is right now, Howe’s side are reportedly interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.
Garcia has enjoyed a superb campaign in La Liga with Espanyol this season and Arsenal actually identified the 24-year-old as a player of interest almost a year ago.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
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Arsenal were in talks to sign Garcia last summer but a deal ultimately broke down for the Spaniard to come in as Arteta’s new number two to David Raya.
But amid fresh interest from north London this summer, Garcia actually prefers a move to St James’ Park.
That’s according to Spain-based journalist Roberto Melendo, who shared the update on X.
The journalist pointed out that a move to Newcastle would be Garcia’s first choice owing to the fact that Raya’s starting position is so secure at the Emirates Stadium.
Melendo shared: “Joan Garcia prioritizes playing in the Premier League. The player’s first choice and environment are Newcastle, with Arsenal in the mix, but with David Raya, the player doesn’t see himself as a starter.”
Espanyol need to sell Joan Garcia
If those reports are to be believed, Garcia must consider Nick Pope’s starting spot to be somewhat available heading into next season.
Newcastle have enjoyed strong depth in their goalkeeping department this term with both Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos on hand to replace Pope when needed this season.
However, the situation could look very different heading into the 2025/26 season, when Garcia might be promised a crack at the starting spot should he be signed.
Garcia will cost around £21m this summer owing to a release clause in his contract and it’s believed that Espanyol need to sell their star player relatively quickly for financial reasons.
An excellent opportunity for any top European side to secure an excellent young goalkeeper with the potential to start for Spain in the future.