Arsenal transfer target with £21.4million clause has clear stance on Gunners move
This would be a very bold move.
Arsenal remain keen on signing Joan Garcia this summer despite David Raya solidifying his status as Mikel Arteta’s No.1 goalkeeper.
The former Brentford star joined the Gunners 18 months ago on loan, but signed permanently last summer and has arguably been their most consistent performer this season.
Arsenal allowed Aaron Ramsdale, who was usurped by Raya, join Southampton and had earmarked Garcia as the England international’s replacement.
The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe and has, himself, enjoyed a reputation enhancing campaign.
Arsenal were unwilling to activate his £21.4 million release clause last summer but have maintained their interest in a player who has been capped twice by his country at senior level.
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Indeed, Arsenal chiefs held talks with Garcia representatives in December while the first team were in Spain playing a Champions League match against Girona.
Despite Raya’s excellence, Arteta wants to add a goalkeeper of Garcia’s quality to his squad and provide competition for the 29-year-old.
Neto, who joined on loan from Bournemouth late in the summer transfer window, has made only one appearance this season and will return to his parent club in June.
Arsenal do have two talented young goalkeepers on their books in the shape of Jack Porter, who made his senior debut aged 16 in the Carabao Cup back in September, as well as Tommy Setford who signed from Ajax nearly a year ago.
According to The Athletic, Garcia remains keen on the idea of a move to Arsenal, despite the fact he would face an enormous challenge in ousting Raya from the starting line-up.
Speaking last month, Garcia indicated he was ready to seek a fresh challenge and the windfall Espanyol would receive from his departure would soften the blow of his exit.
‘I am a very cold person in every sense and I think that this attitude helps me. I am very calm at Espanyol, with an opportunity that I have been waiting for a long time,’
‘It will be for the good of everyone (if I leave). Mine and the club, which is the one that has made me grow. It can’t be any other way.’
