According to reports, Arsenal is becoming more certain that, following their unsuccessful attempt to recruit Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia last summer, they will finally do so. When it became evident that Aaron Ramsdale was leaving after just one season as David Raya’s deputy, the Gunners reportedly exerted pressure to sign the 23-year-old in 2024. Arsenal was unable to reach an agreement with Espanyol, who turned down the Gunners’ bid of €20 million (£16.7 million), and was obliged to sign Neto on loan from Bournemouth as an emergency while Ramsdale moved to Southampton.
In the Gunners’ 2-1 Champions League victory over Girona on January 29, Neto made his debut for the Gunners, where he was partly responsible for Arnaut Danjuma’s first goal. Should Mikel Arteta not elevate Tommy Setford or Jack Porter to the position, Arsenal will have to look for a new number two since the seasoned Brazilian will return to Bournemouth at the end of his loan period. During their journey to Spain to play Girona last month, the Gunners had direct discussions with the Espanyol player’s representatives about a deal for Garcia, according to a different report from The Athletic.
Verbal agreement with Joan Garcia not an issue for Arsenal
As reported by Sport Witness, Joan Garcia is still being pursued by Arsenal, according to a report from SPORT. As the summer transfer window approaches, the Gunners are searching the market for a goalkeeper. Last summer, the Spanish goalie expressed interest in joining the North London team, and the Premier League team won’t have any trouble negotiating a verbal deal.
Garcia’s persistent interest is therefore comprehensible given that Arsenal will require a replacement for David Raya in the upcoming campaign. The North London club won’t have any trouble reaching a verbal agreement on personal matters because the 23-year-old Spaniard expressed a desire to relocate to the Emirates last summer.
However, in order to cut ties with the Spanish goalkeeper, Espanyol will cite his €25 million release clause. By the end of the summer transfer window, it will be worth €30 million. Therefore, it would be intriguing to watch if Arsenal concludes a €25 million deal for the gold medalist of the 2024 Olympics in the upcoming months.
