Bournemouth rival Arsenal in Joan Garcia chase

Bournemouth are ready to rival Arsenal for the signature of in-demand Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the summer.

According to Fichajes, Joan Garcia has a new suitor in the form of Bournemouth, as Andoni Iraola is ready to bring his compatriot to the Premier League. The Cherries will rival Arsenal for the signature of the in-demand Espanyol goalkeeper, who has a price tag of close to €30 million.

Joan Garcia will get his big move away from Espanyol this season, despite the Catalan side now looking safe from relegation. There was an expectation that the goalkeeper’s price tag would reduce if Espanyol went down to the second tier, but that may not be the case after all.

In any case, Garcia wants to stand out at a bigger club, with La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested. However, many reports have indicated the Spaniard might prefer a switch to the Premier League, where Arsenal are one of those keen.

The Gunners have had a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old Olympics 2024 gold medalist, as they did attempt to sign him late last summer when they sold Aaron Ramsdale. However, the two clubs disagreed on the price point, as Espanyol wanted a fee close to his release clause which currently stands between €25-30 million.

Arsenal are expected to struggle to sign Garcia, as they already have David Raya as their No.1 choice. Garcia is expected to want guarantees of regular playing time, something the Gunners may not offer. Aston Villa are also in the chase, as they seek the 23-year-old as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Bournemouth enters Joan Garcia race

Arsenal and Aston Villa are not alone, as Bournemouth have entered the chase for Garcia ahead of the summer. Andoni Iraola wants his compatriot to become their new goalkeeper, as the Cherries could potentially play European football. The report states, they are willing to pay a fee close to the €30 million asking rate, as Garcia will be a regular at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth had thought about signing Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently, but things may have changed in the background, as they are now looking for a new stopper. It remains to be seen where Garcia will join, as, despite the obvious doubts, Arsenal are still very much in the race, although Bournemouth or even Villa’s stance as making him their new No.1 would entice the Spaniard into joining them over the Gunners.