Bayer Leverkusen will reportedly compete with Arsenal and Barcelona to sign 23-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Joan Garcia is the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen. The 2023/24 Bundesliga winners are scouring the market for a goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Espanyol stopper. Arsenal and Barcelona are also keen on signing the Olympics 2024 gold medalist, who has a release clause worth €25 million in his contract.
Joan Garcia and his ever-rising stock
Joan Garcia has been a rare bright spot in a chaotic 2024/25 campaign for Espanyol. The Spaniard enjoyed his breakthrough at the Catalan club last season, and he has gone from strength to strength with each passing performance.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has kept only four clean sheets while conceding 36 goals in 25 La Liga appearances for Espanyol this season. However, Garcia’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayer Leverkusen.
A man in demand
The Spanish goalkeeper has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time, with the North London club attempting to secure his services last summer. The continued interest is understandable, considering Neto will return to Bournemouth after his loan spell ends this season. In addition, Arsenal should have the funds to afford a deal worth €25 million for the stopper, who won the gold medal with Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s interest in Joan Garcia makes sense. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is approaching the twilight of his career, and he has been error-prone in the last few seasons. In addition, Wojciech Szczesny will likely retire again soon, while Inaki Pena is not good enough to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Barcelona.
As for Bayer Leverkusen, Lukas Hradecky is 35 years old and approaching the twilight of his illustrious career. In addition, Matej Kovar is yet to convince Xabi Alonso to become the first-choice goalkeeper for the 2023/24 Bundesliga winners. So, Garcia has emerged as a viable target for Bayer Leverkusen.
Mundo Deportivo has pointed to Bayer Leverkusen being the team ‘moving the most for Garcia, along with Arsenal’. However, recent reports have claimed that the Olympics 2024 gold medalist will likely move to the Premier League if he leaves Espanyol in the summer transfer window.
