The Gunners have targeted Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia for the club. As a means to make their goalkeeping options stronger for the next season. The 24 year old has become a top target for the Gunners ahead of the next season. As they are looking to add backup and competition for the role with current keeper David Raya. Despite Espanyol’s inconsistent performance in the La Liga Garcia has impressed many clubs with his performance. With no proper back up for goal keepers in the squad if any injuries or suspension to the first choice. The Gunners are ready to address this situation after securing Garcia. As they believe that buying such a goalkeeper would not provide backup but also give a strong challenge for the No.1 spot. The Gunners are expected to start talks as they get ready to complete the signing in the early summer.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal have already reached verbal agreement with Spanish GK Joan García on personal terms.
He’s the priority target for Arsenal to replace Aaron Ramsdale if he leaves in final 10 days.
Espanyol are aware of #AFC interest but no official bid yet, depends on Ramsdale. pic.twitter.com/JEcyvgjcQR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2024
Joan Garcia rising:
Garcia has have a very good performance at the Spanish side this season. As the club faced some really challenging situations where the team was battling to avoid any relegation. Whereas the whole team was lagging and struggling Garcia was the man who was doing excellent between the post. He was standout their standout performer in the campaign. He made a total of 127 saves this season alone for the Spanish side. Where he converted 8 of the 38 matches into a clean sheet between the post. His total of 127 saves made him the keeper with the highest number of saves in the La Liga 2024-25 campaign. His saving along with his quick reflexes and has a excellent ability to handle high pressure in certain situations. It has made him in the names of Spain’s one of the most promising and rising goalkeepers.
Arsenal interest on Garcia:
The Gunners interest in him was not so recently. The Gunners had previously wanted to secure him only last summer. By submitting a bid of €20 million bid which was rejected by the Spanish side. The Gunners are now back again to secure his services with a new offer. With a aim to secure him as a backup for David Raya. While the Gunners interest in Garcia is not alone. Several other top European clubs like Barcelona, Aston Villa and Manchester United are interested in him. While currently Catalans and the Gunners are leading the race to sign him. With the Catalans currently offering him to stay at Spain and continue his career. While reports state that the players is also ready to move to the Premier League. As a good opportunity to grow and succeed. But the limited opportunity in Barcelona may give Gunners upper hand.
Author’s opinion:
The Gunners race to sign Garcia highlights their idea of building a strong squad with proper back up in any cases of injuries and suspensions in key matches. While Barcelona is also interested in the player. But due to already present of two top keepers like Ter Stegen and Szczesny his game time will be very limited. The potential move to the Gunners would not only give a good backup for Raya but keep a good competition for the spot along both the keeper. But all depends on Espanyol and the player as the previous bid was rejected. The club stance will be important in the days to come ahead of the transfer window.
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