Barcelona face fresh threat in pursuit of top target as Real Madrid make approach | OneFootball

RCD Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is one of the main objectives for FC Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window.

The Blaugrana have been working on roping in the 24-year-old shot-stopper from their local rivals and have been tipped as favourites despite there being concerns about whether the player would be willing to make the cross-town switch.

However, Barça are not the only club vying to sign Garcia as teams like Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Manchester City have all been credited with an interest.

Real Madrid enter the fray

Now, according to AS, Barcelona’s bitter rivals Real Madrid have also entered the race to try and sign Joan Garcia this summer.

Indeed, the Spanish capital club have approached the goalkeeper’s camp and informed him that they are monitoring the player and are interested in him.

However, any move for Garcia from Real Madrid is contingent on the departure of backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is looking for offers for him and should an attractive proposal come up, Los Blancos will sell.

Real Madrid want Joan Garcia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Should Lunin’s departure materialise, Real Madrid wish to move for Garcia, provided he is still available at that point.

However, given the player’s intention to sort out his future soon and the long list of interested parties, Xabi Alonso’s team might find themselves at a disadvantage.

Furthermore, another concern for Real Madrid would be the fact that Thibaut Courtois is their undisputed first-choice in goal.

Garcia wishes to play regularly wherever he joins and Courtois’ presence might make it unfeasible at the Santiago Bernabeu.

While Barcelona have Marc-Andre ter Stegen as their No. 1, reliable sources have reported that the club would be ready to part ways with the German should Garcia say yes, paving the way for the Espanyol ace to establish himself as the first-choice starter.

So, everything will now depend on Garcia and his personal preference and how long he waits before making a final decision on his future.