Arsenal have somewhat surprised fans and are set to sign Joan Garcia of Espanyol. Last season, the 23-year old was a wall for and fans consider him the best goalkeeper from Segunda division. He was pivotal in the Catalan club’s promotion to La Liga this season. Garcia has recorded 13 clean sheets in 29 matches last season. Mikel Arteta’s team already has two 2 solid options, David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale. The Spaniard was signed from Brentford on a loan deal which will be made permanent this season for £27m. The Espanyol keeper has attracted interest from arch rivals Tottenham Hotspurs and Real Madrid. If the player were to choose, he prefers joining either Arsenal or Spurs. The keeper has a release clause of £25m, now we have to see if the interested clubs are ready to pay the required fee. Joan will play in the Olympics representing Spain.
Joan Garcia to replace Aaron Ramsdale
Arsenal will sign Raya and potentially Joan Garcia this season, and they are renewing Karl Hein aswell. These events indicate Ramsdale’s imminent departure from the Emirates on a permanent basis. He was Arteta’s first choice keeper until Raya snatched his place. The Englishman admitted he does not want another season like the one he had last year at Arsenal. He is disappointed after playing only 6 games last season. Newcastle are heavily linked with the lad, his future is still uncertain. His logic seems reasonable, a keeper of his quality should not waste in the bench. The 25-year old will be open to a loan move but will not accept a bench role at Arsenal again. He feels being on the bench hampers his confidence a lot. Speaking to talkSPORT, he hinted at leaving the Gunners. He says;
“No footballer wants to not play, I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again. It was tough, it was tough.”
As things stand, Joan Garcia will potentially replace Aaron Ramsdale and become the second choice keeper for Arsenal. Karl Hein remains the third choice keeper having his contract renewed. The 23-year old excels in shot stopping, has solid reflexes and brilliant ball distribution. Arteta prefers builing up from the back, and Joan is the perfect keeper to do so. No wonder clubs like Spurs and Real Madrid also lined up for his signature. I feel that he will also provide decent competition for Raya, and fight to usurp his place.
Arsenal beat arch rivals Tottenham to Joan Garcia’s signature
Arsenal and Tottenham reportedly battled it out to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol this summer. North London giants Tottenham want a long term keeper to compete with Guglielmo Vicario as Fraser Forster is approaching the end of his career. Although they feel his release clause is too high and consider the deal unfeasible. His release clause is quite high for a second choice keeper.
Arsenal are securing his signature and have beaten Spurs in a transfer market derby. With doubts regarding Aaron Ramsdale’s future at the club, the Gunners will not take any risks. He will be signed as a potential replacement for him, and a talented keeper for the future. Personal terms will not be a problem for the Gunners as the keeper is very excited to play in the Emirates.
