Arsenal resurrect interest in goalkeeper target | OneFootball

Arsenal are expected to make a renewed approach for Joan Garcia in the summer transfer window, having missed out on the Espanyol goalkeeper last year.

The Gunners found themselves in the market for a goalkeeper due to Aaron Ramsdale's desire to leave after losing his starting place to David Raya. The England stopper was sold to Southampton, with Arsenal eventually taking Neto on loan from Bournemouth after failing to land Garcia.

Neto is only a temporary solution and wasn't particularly convincing standing in for Raya against Girona in the Champions League last week.

The Athletic has reported that Arsenal took advantage of being in Catalonia for that game, using the time away to also meet with Garcia's representatives. The intention is there to pursue the Olympic gold medal winner again ahead of next season.

Garcia kept a clean sheet against Real Madrid last weekend / Alex Caparros/GettyImages

It has been additionally reported by SPORT that Arsenal won't have an issue reaching an agreement with Garcia over a transfer. But it may take a degree of negotiation with Espanyol, who seem determined to net the value of his €25m (£21m) release clause.

Garcia himself already stated in January his desire to ultimately leave Espanyol, something he believes is in everyone's best interest, as it stands to bring a sizeable windfall into the club.

"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," he told Radio Marca.

Garcia is still largely in the infancy of his career, but has had to be patient for his chance at the highest level. He will turn 24 in the final weeks of the season, yet this is his first campaign as a top flight starter, having only established himself in the second half of Espanyol's 2023/24 promotion.