Arsenal have been told to pay Joan Garcia’s entire release clause to sign the Spanish keeper as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
According to the Spanish outlet Football Espana, Arsenal may have to pay Joan Garcia’s release clause to have a chance of signing the keeper. Espanyol have a clause that has increased from its original figure following a deadline, as the 23-year-old Liga star is Mikel Arteta’s priority target to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal must pay Joan Garcia’s release clause
Mikel Arteta is unwilling to compromise on the quality of his recruitment targets, even if the players are expected to play a bit-part role. Outfield players have a higher chance of breaking into the first team at some point than goalkeepers, as seen with Aaron Ramsdale, who sat on the bench for the duration of the previous campaign as the manager favoured David Raya in goal.
Ramsdale has been pushing for an exit from the club, with Wolves in talks with Arsenal over a loan move for the England international. Such a move would suit the keeper as Molineux could guarantee him the first-choice spot as Wolves could potentially sell Jose Sa if Ramsdale arrives late in the window.
Arsenal are reportedly demanding a £6 million loan fee to send Ramsdale through, with Wolves may also have to pay most of his wages. The deal will likely come with a buy option, and to replace him, Arteta has set sights on Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia.
Garcia has a release clause that has now increased to €30 million from its original figure of €25 million. As per a report, the previous sum was valid until August 15 and could grow to €35 million should the 23-year-old Liga star receive a call-up to the Spanish national side. The newly promoted side now wants Arsenal to pay the entire clause if they want to sign the keeper, something the Gunners are not planning on executing.
Arsenal and Espanyol will negotiate
Arsenal are unlikely to cave into release clause demands and pay up €30 million or more for a second-choice keeper. Joan Garcia suits their style, and personal terms agreed with the player, the Gunners will look to open talks with Espanyol to figure out an agreement for a lower price.
It remains to be seen how much Arsenal is willing to fork out for the 23-year-old Liga star, although there’s hope they will spend big. There are other options they might have considered as an alternative, as the club might find it difficult to convince any stopper around to come in and feature on the bench for a whole season.
