Arsenal were linked with a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia during the summer transfer window but failed to land him.
Joan Garcia was a target for Arsenal target in the summer transfer window, but they failed to get the deal done. According to a report from Daily Mirror, the Gunners are now expected to return for the Olympics 2024 gold medalist in January.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal are prepared to pay up for him. The goalkeeper has a £25 million release clause in his contract, and Espanyol have been demanding it to be paid in full to part ways with the highly-rated goalkeeper.
Arsenal will certainly have the financial resources to pay up, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. Garcia is highly rated in Spain, and he has a bright future ahead of him. He could establish himself as a key player for Arsenal in the long run.
Joan Garcia to compete with David Raya?
For now, Garcia will be expected to compete with his compatriot for the starting spot. David Raya is currently the first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, and the competition for places will help both players improve. Arsenal sanctioned the departure of Aaron Ramsdale during the summer transfer window, and they need a reliable backup goalkeeper.
Although Arsenal have brought in Neto from Bournemouth on a short-term deal, they need to invest in someone who could be at the club for the long term. Garcia is a prodigious talent with a bright future, and he would be a far better option to have as compared to Neto.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal decide to trigger his release clause when the transfer window opens in January after being hesitant to pay up in the summer. Espanyol will be powerless to stop the Spaniard, who won the gold medal with his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics, from leaving if Arsenal decide to pay up.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper could be attracted to the idea of joining a big club like Arsenal. It will be a tremendous opportunity for him, and he would get to compete at a high-level and push for trophies regularly. The opportunity to play in the Premier League can be hard to turn down for most players.
