close
Barcelona are reportedly set to trigger Joan Garcia's release clause to sign him ahead of Arsenal in the summer transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, both these clubs have shown interest in the Espanyol goalkeeper, but the Catalans are seemingly ahead in this race.
Garcia still has three years left on his deal with his current employers, which would have put sufficient negotiating power in Espanyol's hands. Hence, the Blaugrana are looking to trigger the player's release, with Romano confirming the same on his X account (formerly Twitter).
He wrote:
"Joan García and Barça, matter of short time to complete the deal as it’s all set between the goalkeeper and the club. Five year deal being prepared… then Barça will trigger €25m release clause. Here we go, soon."
Barcelona were in need of another goalkeeper, with Wojciech Szczesny's contract at the club expiring in the summer. This leaves Marc-Andre ter Stegen as competition at Camp Nou. However, the German is 33 years old and may have to move on soon.
This gives Garcia the opportunity to become the Blaugrana's first choice in goal in the years to come. The situation is slightly different at Arsenal, with the Gunners looking for a second-choice goalkeeper.
David Raya is the undoubted starter and will most likely hold this spot for years to come. Overall, Garcia has made 67 appearances across competitions for Espanyol, keeping 21 clean sheets in the process.
Barcelona in talks with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey in attempt to complete summer move- Reports
Thomas Partey" srcset="https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/1963f-17490317328134-1920.jpg 1920w">
Thomas Partey
Barcelona are reportedly in talks with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, with the Ghana international's contract expiring in the summer. According to The Sun, the Blaugrana have already contacted the holding midfielder's representatives over a move (via Football Transfer Tavern).
However, there is still some uncertainty over whether Partey will be moving, with some reports suggesting that he may be handed a contract extension. The Gunners were heavily linked with Martin Zubimendi in recent weeks, which hinted at the fact that he would take Partey's place in the first XI.
The 31-year-old joined the north London outfit in October 2020 from Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of £45 million. Since then, he has made 167 appearances across competitions for Arsenal, bagging nine goals and seven assists.
A move to Barcelona may be beneficial for Partey, given it would still provide him the opportunity to compete for top honors like La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Why did you not like this content?
Cancel Submit
Was this article helpful?
like selected
avatar selected
Thank You for feedback
About the author
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,
Rahul Naresh
Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.
A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.
Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.
When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Know More
Quick Links
More from Sportskeeda
Edited by Rahul Naresh