Arsenal handed massive boost in race to sign Joan Garcia amid Barca interest | OneFootball

Arsenal have been handed a massive boost in their bid to sign in-demand Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.

SPORT, Barcelona have joined the race for the 23-year-old goalkeeper but Arsenal are still considered his most likely destination.

Arsenal tried to sign Garcia last summer but were forced to turn their attention elsewhere when Espanyol started playing hardball.

The Gunners ended up signing Neto on loan from Bournemouth but are looking for a better alternative – someone who can provide serious competition for David Raya or at least provide reliable back up.

The Spanish keeper checks that box for Arsenal, and the north London giants are gearing up to make their move in the summer.

Garcia is one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in European football.

The talented shot-stopper is playing a crucial role in keeping Espanyol out of the dreaded relegation zone, although has only managed four clean sheets in 25 La Liga appearances.

Garcia’s impressive performances in the Spanish top flight has drawn the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

He was linked with a move to Liverpool before the Reds signed Giorgio Mamardashvilli from Valencia last summer.

Garcia’s contract with Espanyol runs until 2028, but the Spanish side are open to cashing in on him this summer.

Barca have shown interest, but a move to Camp Nou is highly unlikely.

Espanyol would be open to negotiating a fair price with Arsenal but they won’t extend the same luxury to Barca.

They’ll require Barca to pay the keeper’s €30 million (£24.7m) release clause in full, highlighting their reluctance to do business with their city rivals.

Espanyol’s sporting director, Fran Garagarza, recently admitted that the club must sell one of its key players, and all indications point to Garcia being the first out the door.

He admitted that Espanyol would prefer a “good sale,” but they are open to negotiating below the release clause – except in the case of Barca, where they refuse to make any concessions.

Their stance paves the way for Arsenal to land their long-term target, although it remains to be seen if they’ll formalise their interest with an official proposal.