According to Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, Arsenal have already made an offer to Joan Garcia in a bid to lure the goalkeeper away from Espanyol. Club-level talks are yet to commence, as there has been an indication that the Spanish side could accept a feel of at least €15 million which is significantly lower than his release clause.
Arsenal made a late push to sign Joan Garcia last summer when they sold Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton. Espanyol did not budge on their demand for the release clause to be paid, which currently stands at €25 million, although that could decrease to €15 million if they are relegated from La Liga this season.
As per the report, Espanyol are open to accepting offers of at least €15 million for the Olympics 2024 gold medalist, as they are in a financial situation that needs resolving. Considering that is a price that may suit Arsenal, a move could be on the cards.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have been credited with an interest in Joan Garcia, with the Catalan giants only likely to pursue the Espanyol star if Wojciech Szczesny leaves in the summer. As for Real Madrid, they could pursue him if Andriy Lunin ends up leaving in the close season.
Aston Villa are also interested amid reports claiming that Emiliano Martinez could be headed to Saudi Arabia in the summer. Bournemouth are also keen, with the club alongside Aston Villa the ones currently offering the No.1 spot to the €25 million-rated goalkeeper.
Arsenal are seen as the front-runners to sign Garcia, and they appear to have tabled a contract offer for the goalkeeper to get ahead in the race. The report claims the Gunners may have an agreement of sorts in place with the Olympics 2024 gold medalist, although club-level talks are yet to commence to determine the final fee.
Joan Garcia’s decision to join the Gunners, if he does, will baffle many onlookers, given he won’t be guaranteed a starting place in the squad. Arsenal may have done plenty of groundwork on the keeper and seemingly convinced him that competing with David Raya might be the way forward to determine the next steps of a promising career at club and international levels.
