Interested clubs must make a move for Joan Garcia before August 15 or risk paying a higher price for the Olympics-bound Spaniard afterwards.
According to Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, clubs interested in signing goalkeeper Joan Garcia must do so before August 15 or risk paying a higher fee. Some contractual clauses in the Olympics-bound Spaniard’s deal could increase his current release clause if various factors pan out.
Joan Garcia’s situation explained
Joan Garcia wasn’t a goalkeeper on the radars of top clubs until he started putting in notable performances for Espanyol in the second half of last season. While playing only 21 games for the Spanish side, the 23-year-old kept 12 clean sheets and conceded only ten times, which gave his club a base to gain promotion back to La Liga.
Since then, he has been the subject of massive interest from some of the big clubs, including Spanish champions Real Madrid. The European winners are on the verge of losing Andriy Lunin and on-loan Chelsea man Kepa Arrizabalaga, meaning they have a vacancy in their goalkeeping department and could view Garcia as a deputy for Thibaut Courtois.
Meanwhile, the Olympics-bound Spaniard could be made available this summer for a fee of €25 million, which happens to be his release clause at Espanyol. The only issue here is that interested clubs must make their move before August 15, as his price is bound to increase due to some stipulations in his contract.
Garcia’s current release clause will increase to €30 million after August 15 and to €35 million if he receives a call up to the Spanish national side. His performances have put him on the brink of being part of Luis de la Fuente’s squad, which means many of his suitors will have to pay more than now.
Arsenal and Tottenham are keen on Garcia
Arsenal set their sights on Garcia earlier in June, as they might enter the market for a new goalkeeper. Their hands are currently tied on that front, as Mikel Arteta must find a solution to Aaron Ramsdale’s future before searching for a new keeper. They might have done some work in the background and could be ready for a swift move if Ramsdale finds a suitable buyer.
For the Gunners, the significant threat comes from neighbouring Tottenham, as they may have a readymade place to make a move for Garcia. Spurs are keen on the 23-year-old, meaning they could leapfrog both the Gunners and Real Madrid for the keeper, who could be signed for €25 million, as he will provide ample competition for their first-choice star Guglielmo Vicarion in the upcoming season.
