Report: Premier League duo tracking standout goalkeeper from Spain | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Goalkeeper Carousel Turns Again Amid Joan Garcia Pursuit

Garcia’s Rise Demands Attention

As Espanyol quietly go about their mid-table La Liga campaign, one of their brightest sparks is now commanding Premier League attention. Joan Garcia, just 23 years old, has emerged as arguably the standout goalkeeper in Spain this season. His tally of 127 saves — the most in the league — and a Man of the Match display in Espanyol’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid in February have drawn admiring glances.

TalkSPORT reports that Arsenal and Bournemouth are both circling, aware that Garcia’s release clause sits at £17 million, potentially rising to £21 million should he be called up to Spain’s senior national side. It’s a modest sum in today’s market — and that alone will accelerate interest.

Bournemouth are facing a goalkeeper crisis. Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan spell from Chelsea looks temporary in every sense, especially with the £200,000-a-week wages that make a permanent deal untenable. Neto will return from Arsenal with his own deal set to expire, likely leaving the Cherries with no senior stopper.

Arsenal’s Complicated Goalkeeping Identity

At Arsenal, the situation is not so much about need as it is about direction. Under Mikel Arteta, the club has signed — or loaned — no fewer than six goalkeepers: Runar Alex Runarsson, Matt Turner, Mat Ryan, Neto, Alex Ramsdale and David Raya. That level of churn suggests a manager who sees the position as key but remains restless in pursuit of perfection.

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“Raya was brought in from Brentford on a loan with an obligation to buy in 2023.” That acquisition ended the Ramsdale era, with the Englishman departing for Southampton the following season. It was a bold decision, made more complex by Raya’s uneven form early in his Arsenal tenure.

Bringing in Garcia now would pose a conundrum: is it to challenge Raya or simply to secure a dependable No.2? For a player of Garcia’s talent — and ambition — the latter won’t be enough. If Bournemouth can offer him the No.1 shirt, Arsenal’s pitch will have to be far more persuasive than just the promise of a deep cup run.

Long-Term Planning or Short-Term Patch?

There’s a duality in this pursuit. Arsenal want to ensure depth, particularly given their return to Champions League contention and their intense domestic fixture list. But there is also a sense of them being perpetually one signing away from balance.

“Arsenal will be without a second-choice goalkeeper — an unfavourable position to be in considering Mikel Arteta has signed six goalkeepers during his tenure at Arsenal.” It’s a telling reflection of how temporary most signings have been. Garcia could change that — but only if given a real shot.

At Bournemouth, it’s more straightforward: they need a No.1. Garcia is a perfect stylistic fit for a team that plays from the back and needs stability. Whether Bournemouth can compete financially or project-wise with Arsenal is another matter entirely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, the pursuit of Joan Garcia feels like déjà vu — a revolving door of goalkeepers where none seem to stick unless they force the issue. The shadow of Ramsdale’s fall after Raya’s arrival still lingers. Fans will rightly ask: if Raya is the long-term No.1, what’s the plan for Garcia? Another short-term signing, or the start of a proper transition?

The reported £17m release clause makes financial sense, especially for a 23-year-old already outperforming La Liga veterans. But this fanbase has grown weary of signings without a clear role. Garcia must be more than a benchwarmer — otherwise, why not develop Karl Hein or another academy product?

If Arteta genuinely sees Garcia as someone to eventually usurp Raya — just as Raya did to Ramsdale — then the plan needs clarity. Supporters will back a ruthless pursuit of success, but only if the logic is sound and communicated. Otherwise, it risks destabilising a defence that’s finally found its rhythm.

In short, Garcia is a brilliant keeper. But he won’t come to sit still. And Arsenal shouldn’t spend £17m just to let another talent stagnate.