Barcelona Pushing to Hijack Arsenal’s Move to Sign La Liga Star – Report | OneFootball

Joan García: Arsenal’s Goalkeeping Future Faces Major Hurdles

In a season where Espanyol have hovered between turbulence and promise, one constant has been Joan García. The 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has emerged not just as a LaLiga standout, but as one of Europe’s elite shot-stoppers. According to AS, García has made 138 saves—more than anyone else in Spain’s top flight—and trails only Brentford’s Mark Flekken (144) across Europe. More impressive still, García leads all European keepers in caught balls with 57, eclipsing the likes of Zion Suzuki, Emiliano Martínez, and Arsenal’s own David Raya.

It’s those numbers that have caught the eye of scouts from across Europe, particularly in North London. Arsenal have had advanced talks with Espanyol regarding García, and although a €20 million bid (12 fixed + 8 in add-ons) was rejected last summer, the interest from Mikel Arteta’s side remains strong.

Financial Pressure May Force Espanyol’s Hand

Espanyol’s need to balance their books by June 30 could prove decisive. AS report that the club “must agree before June 30 on a transfer for at least 15 million euros… to avoid closing the 2024-25 financial year with losses.” Arsenal, seemingly, are ready to pounce again—but so are others.

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Joan García is “the object of desire of almost the entire football planet”, including heavyweights like Manchester City, PSG, Real Madrid, and now—most inconveniently for Arsenal—Barcelona. The Catalans, despite having Ter Stegen and rumoured interest in Szczesny, view García as a long-term investment. His €25 million release clause could rise to €30 million if he is called up for the Spanish national team or within the final 15 days of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal’s Need for a Keeper

Despite David Raya’s strong performances, including 47 catches (fourth-best in Europe), the Gunners are clearly planning for long-term squad depth. With Aaron Ramsdale likely heading for the exit and Matt Turner having already departed, Arsenal’s need for a young, commanding backup—or even challenger—to Raya is evident.

García’s stats also put him well ahead of veterans like Szczesny in every key metric. In fact, AS highlight that “Joan García will face this Thursday with a Szczesny who he leads in any figure: 74.32 percent of saves to 62.5, the 138 interventions mentioned against 20.” His five goals prevented statistically—compared to Szczesny’s zero—further confirm that this isn’t just hype. This is data-backed quality.

Competition Heating Up

However, Arsenal’s path is far from straightforward. While negotiations last summer got as far as a formal proposal, the club chose not to escalate. That hesitation may now cost them. With Barcelona emerging as late rivals, and Espanyol’s financial needs giving them little room for delay, this window may be Arsenal’s final chance to secure García’s signature at a reasonable price.

The most pressing risk, though, lies in the UEFA Nations League semi-final. If García is called up for Spain’s clash with Germany on June 5, his price immediately rises—and so does his profile.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the red half of North London, this García report reads like an all-too-familiar warning. We’ve seen this film before: Arsenal identify talent early, hover with calculated interest, and then step aside as another club—often Barcelona—swoops in at the last moment. Just ask any long-time fan about the tales of Hazard, Higuaín or even Raphinha.

The concern here isn’t just competition from Barcelona. It’s that Arsenal might once again wait too long, attempt to negotiate a better deal, and lose out on a keeper who could be our next long-term No. 1. David Raya has been solid, but García offers something different—command of the box, shot-stopping consistency, and at 24, real longevity.

As AS made clear, Espanyol need to sell. The numbers make sense, the opportunity is there, and García’s profile fits the Arsenal ethos to a tee: young, talented, and statistically elite. The only question is whether Edu and Arteta act now—or regret it later.

If we don’t move decisively, we could see García don the blaugrana and spend the next decade haunting us in the Champions League. That’s a scenario no Arsenal fan wants to see repeated.