Arsenal transfer target Joan Garcia is expected to sit down with his agent and make a decision on his next team “at the end of this week”, according to reports in Spain.
The Espanyol goalkeeper has a €25m (£21m) release clause in his contract and Catalan publication Mundo Deportivo claims that up to seven teams (including the Gunners) are pursuing his signature.
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Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle are also in the mix, along with Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Inter Milan.
Garcia is reportedly keen to “fight to be the number one” wherever he decides to go. That doesn’t necessarily rule out a move to the Emirates but it may make things more complicated.
A lot could hinge on the future of Raya
It was reported at the weekend that current number one David Raya is a transfer target for Real Madrid, with the La Liga giants seeking a long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.
There were suggestions that Emi Martinez could make a sensational return to the Gunners, having been sold to Villa five years ago. However, you would think that Garcia would be a better solution, considering his age and profile.
Of course, if Raya does stay with the London club, they may have a hard time persuading Garcia to be his understudy.
Have Arsenal looked at any other keepers?
About a month ago, there were links to Angers keeper Yahia Fofana. The 24-year-old has impressed with his performances in Ligue One this campaign.
However, there are concerns that the Gunners would have the same trouble in terms of the goalkeeper accepting a spot on the bench behind Raya.
It is a position that will have to be strengthened over the coming weeks with Neto set to return to Bournemouth once his loan spell comes to an end.
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