Liverpool FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Mikel Arteta is set to lose out on one of his transfer targets (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal are set to lose the race to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia after he agreed terms to sign for Barcelona, according to reports.
The Gunners had been keen to sign Garcia to provide competition for David Raya after they failed to complete a deal for the Spaniard last summer.
Since then, the 24-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the best keepers in La Liga, despite Espanyol narrowly avoiding relegation from the top flight.
Garcia registered the most saves of any keeper in the Spanish top flight (146) and he was also awarded the Dani Jarque award, given to Espanyol’s player of the season.
Such performance have attracted interest from several other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
But it appears that Garcia’s next move will see him stay in Spain, with several reports suggesting that Garcia has agreed terms with Barcelona ahead of a proposed move.
The Catalan giants are expected to trigger Garcia’s €25 million (£21m) release clause in the coming days to complete a day as quick as possible.
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona v FC Barcelona - La Liga EA Sports
Joan Garcia has agreed terms on a deal to join Barcelona (Picture: Getty)
Speaking earlier in the week after playing for Catalonia’s national side in their 2-0 victory against Costa Rica, Garcia was coy about a potential summer move.
‘I’m very calm. Many things are coming up and I want to rest now,’ Garcia said.
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports
Hansi Flick’s side won La Liga this season (Picture: Getty)
‘These are things that don’t depend solely on me. I’m an Espanyol player, if something comes along that seems good to them and to me too, it will be decided. I’m focused on my feelings and those of the people I care about.’
Should Garcia sign for Barcelona, he would provide immediate competition for Wojciech Szczesny and Marc-Andre ter Stegen after the German returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a severe knee injury.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will have to resume their search for a second-choice keeper after Neto returned to Bournemouth following his season-long loan.
Arteta’s side are already closing in on their first summer signing, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi set to undergo a medical at the club.
The north London side are also making progress in their bid to sign a striker, having reportedly held ‘concrete talks’ with RB Leipzig over the transfer of Benjamin Sesko.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Man Utd fans convinced Bruno Fernandes is leaving after cryptic Instagram message
MORE: Man Utd told £17m Premier League star would be ‘comfortable fit’ for Ruben Amorim
MORE: Man Utd plotting sensational move for £67m star to replace Bruno Fernandes