Arsenal are moving closer to signing their top goalkeeping target ahead of the summer transfer window. Having already started working on bolstering their squad depth, the Gunners have pinpointed a vital area for strengthening in goal. Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is the leading contender for the position, and all indications suggest an imminence of a deal.
Mikel Arteta’s team are giving priority to a trusted back-up to cover for their regular goalkeeper, and Garcia is the ideal choice. The 23-year-old Spaniard has shown his impressive consistency in La Liga and is now firmly on Arsenal’s target list. As the transfer market opens, Arsenal look confident of signing their target after being denied last summer.
Espanyol are said to be willing to sell Garcia because of their precarious financial position. The club had earlier declined to bargain below his £25 million release clause. However, they are now ready to settle for as low as £12.6 million in order to prevent future financial burden later during the window.
Garcia’s current release clause is £21 million but will increase again to £25 million in the last two weeks of the window. With Espanyol desperate to make an early sale, Arsenal are well placed to complete the transfer at a discounted price. This possible bargain fits perfectly with the Gunners’ policy of finding quality additions and fiscal prudence.
In addition, the goalkeeper is said to be keen to make the move to north London. Following years of monitoring his development, Arsenal are finally on the verge of signing a player they originally hoped to sign last season.
Strong Performances Strengthen Arsenal’s Interest
The Arsenal transfer target has received universal acclaim for his displays in La Liga. Garcia played an instrumental part in keeping Espanyol in La Liga after their re-promotion to the league. Throughout the season, he recorded seven clean sheets and made almost four saves per game — statistics that have not escaped attention on the continent.
Although still quite young, Garcia has demonstrated maturity and confidence under pressure. His capacity to control the box, distribute well, and remain calm when under pressure makes him perfectly suited to Arteta’s brand of play. Arsenal had earlier signed Neto on loan from Bournemouth when they could not sign Garcia last August. With the Brazilian set to return to his parent club, the Gunners want a permanent solution.
The Gunners Planning More Signings
Besides Garcia, Arsenal are chasing reinforcements in the middle of the park. Negotiations are ongoing with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and a deal seems imminent. The Euro 2024 champion has allegedly signed off on personal terms, and the Gunners are willing to activate his £50 million release clause.
At the same time, the club’s priority is shrewd signings that bring depth and long-term value. This is exactly what Garcia represents. His comparatively low fee and high potential make him a methodical and tactical signing. The Gunners are not just seeking to strengthen the first team but also make the team more robust and flexible. With European competitions, domestic challenges, and a congested fixture list looming ahead, every role must be adequately covered — particularly the goalkeeper.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Joan Garcia signals their intent to strengthen key areas ahead of another demanding season. With Espanyol willing to negotiate and the player open to the move, the deal seems closer than ever. As talks progress, fans will be eager to see how this Arsenal goalkeeper target fits into Arteta’s plans.
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