Arsenal have been linked with a move for 23-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who might leave Espanyol this summer.
Arsenal are hoping to add more depth to the goalkeeping unit, and they wanted to sign Joan Garcia last summer as well.
As revealed by TEAMtalk, Arsenal failed with a €20 million offer to sign the Espanyol goalkeeper last summer, but they remain keen on him. The 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist has a release clause of around €25 million in his contract, and it could rise to €30 million depending on certain conditions.
Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza has now revealed that the Catalan outfit are unlikely to turn down a substantial offer for Joan Garcia. He has revealed that any amount close to the release clause would force the Spanish club to sell the player.
“Clause or nothing? No. In the [last] summer window, with [the] call from Arsenal in the last week, it has to be that [clause],” he said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
“But if you get an offer on June 14th that isn’t the clause but is close in fixed and variable amounts, Espanyol are not going to say no. We can’t say no. [But] if a club comes with €8m for Joan Garcia, that’s a bad sale, 100%.”
The development will come as a major boost for Arsenal amid their continued interest in the Spanish goalkeeper, and it will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done for Joan Garcia.
Garcia would be a quality addition
The 23-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. Joan Garcia could develop into a quality player for Arsenal in the long run. The Spaniard is likely to fight for a starting spot with David Raya for now, and he will certainly fancy his chances of establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at the club in the coming seasons.
Arsenal need two reliable goalkeepers at the club, and they signed Neto from Bournemouth on loan last summer. Garcia would be a younger alternative to neto and an upgrade on him. The Spaniard has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in his country, and it is no surprise that big clubs like Arsenal are keen on him.
The opportunity to join Arsenal will be quite attractive for the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist as well. It will be an exceptional opportunity for the Spanish goalkeeper, and he will look to showcase his qualities at the highest level.
