Barcelona will reportedly compete with Arsenal and Real Madrid for 23-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who will cost around €30 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Joan Garcia is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are planning for the long-term future of the goalkeeping department, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the wrong side of 30 and Wojciech Szczesny on a short-term contract. Meanwhile, the Espanyol shot-stopper is also a target for Arsenal and Real Madrid, with his contract containing a release clause worth €30 million.
Joan Garcia and his career so far
Joan Garcia has established himself as one of the best young goalkeeping prospects in La Liga since guiding Espanyol back to the top flight last season. While the Spaniard has kept only one clean sheet in nine La Liga outings thus far while conceding 13 goals, he has produced impressive performances.
The 23-year-old was a part of the Spanish squad that won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Meanwhile, Garcia’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
A big move on the horizon?
Arsenal came close to signing the Spanish goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. However, a move failed to see the light of day due to the North London club’s reluctance to cough up €30 million to secure his services. Garcia remains on Arsenal’s radar, and the Gunners hope to land him next year.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s interest in Joan Garcia is understandable. The Catalan giants are planning for the long-term future of the goalkeeping unit, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen approaching the twilight of his illustrious career, while Wojciech Szczesny has a short-term contract. So, several candidates, including Diogo Costa, are on Barcelona’s radar, with Garcia also a viable target.
As for Real Madrid, with Thibaut Courtois on the wrong side of 30 and Andriy Lunin weighing up his options, the reigning La Liga champions must scour the market for a goalkeeper. So, Garcia is an option worth considering for Real Madrid.
The Olympics 2024 gold medalist currently costs around €30 million, although his release clause might soon rise to €35 million if he earns a call-up to the Spanish national squad. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are ready to pay €30-35 million to land the 23-year-old Spaniard next year.
