La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly hopeful of beating Arsenal and Aston Villa to the signature of 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, Joan Garcia is the subject of interest from Barcelona. Arsenal and Aston Villa are also keen on signing the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. However, the newly crowned La Liga champions are confident of landing the Spanish shot-stopper, with the player eager to join the Blaugrana.
The rise and rise of Joan Garcia
Joan Garcia has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom since breaking into the first-team squad at RCD Espanyol. The Spaniard earned his breakthrough last season and was instrumental in the Catalan club’s promotion-clinching campaign. He then helped Spain win the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 24-year-old’s stock has continued to soar in the last 12 months, and he was one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga in the 2024/25 season. So, it is hardly surprising that Garcia has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Barcelona are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Arsenal wanted to sign the Spanish goalkeeper last summer before the deal failed to see the light of day. The continued interest is understandable, considering Neto’s loan spell has ended. So, the Gunners need a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. Garcia is thus a viable target for Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s interest in Joan Garcia makes sense. Emiliano Martinez will likely part ways with the West Midlands club in the summer transfer window, thus compelling the Villans to dip their toes in the market for a goalkeeper. So, the RCD Espanyol mainstay is an option worth considering for Aston Villa.
As for Barcelona, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is no longer dependable between the sticks. In addition, Wojciech Szczesny is in the twilight of his career. So, the newly crowned La Liga champions need a new goalkeeper, with Garcia a viable target. The Spaniard’s release clause of €25 million makes him an appealing target for Barcelona.
The report by Mundo Deportivo has claimed that the newly crowned La Liga champions are confident of beating the competition to Garcia’s signature. Meanwhile, Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that the 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper is ready to snub Arsenal and Aston Villa to join Barcelona. So, it will be interesting to see if the two Premier League clubs can turn the Olympic gold medalist’s head.