Arsenal are not willing to pay Joan Garcia’s €30 million release clause as they made a lower offer for the keeper to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are not interested in paying Joan Garcia’s €30 million release clause ahead of the transfer deadline. The Espanyol keeper wants a switch to the Emirates, but his club are demanding the full release clause after the Gunners made their first bid for the potential Aaron Ramsdale replacement.
Arsenal are unwilling to pay Joan Garcia’s clause
Arsenal are still very much active in the transfer window, with limited time remaining until the deadline. A few departures are expected, and should Reiss Nelson depart, the Gunners will look to bring a new attacker in his place and cover for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
The significant departure might be Aaron Ramsdale, and Arsenal has already agreed a deal with Southampton for the sale of the keeper. The Gunners had already identified Joan Garcia as a viable replacement for the England international following his rise with Espanyol since the second half of last season.
Espanyol had wanted the entire release clause, which was €25 million earlier. But after a reported deadline, it has increased to €30 million. According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already made a €20 million bid, including add-ons, for the Olympic gold medalist. However, his club have reportedly told the keeper will only leave if the release clause is triggered.
Arsenal are hesitant to pay the entire release clause as they do not want to overspend on a backup keeper. David Raya remains their No.1 choice, although there are no internal backups in place to replace Ramsdale at this stage. Negotiations with Espanyol could continue over the €30 million-rated Olympic gold medalist, as the Gunners will hope to reach a compromise that could be well below his asking rate.
Garcia eager for Arsenal switch
Despite the knowledge that he will have to contend for a place on the Arsenal bench, Garcia is open to joining the North Londoners. The keeper agreed on personal terms a while ago and has been waiting since for the two clubs to find an agreement.
Last night, he put in a man-of-the-match performance against Atletico Madrid in a goalless draw, which could potentially be his last foray in an Espanyol shirt should a move to Arsenal finalise. For now, things are progressing, although how much the Gunners are willing to pay for him remains the question.
