According to Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports, who spoke exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia has surfaced as a potential backup goalkeeper behind David Raya. Arsenal is reportedly looking to add a backup goalkeeper this summer amid uncertainty surrounding Aaron Ramsdale’s future at the club.
After bringing in Raya, the Golden Glove winner from the previous season, on a permanent basis this summer, Mikel Arteta and company are now searching for a replacement for Ramsdale. Reports state that Southampton manager Russell Martin has contacted the Englishman regarding a possible loan arrangement this summer.
The Athletic first revealed in early July that the capital club was considering Sallent de Llobregat-born Garcia, who progressed from Espanyol’s academy into senior proceedings, in anticipation of Ramsdale’s possible departure this summer.
Arsenal will have to pay more £4m for the goalkeeper
As of this Thursday, Mundo Deportivo reports that Arsenal would have to pay extra to get Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The first and second choices for the Gunners’ goalkeeping staff are David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, respectively, though the latter may go this month.
The team would prefer to trade Ramsdale on a permanent basis this summer and recently rejected an early loan offer from Ajax. The Englishman is still a target for the Dutch behemoths, who may make another, better offer. Garcia has been mentioned by Arsenal as a possible Ramsdale replacement, but his price may increase.
In his present deal, the 23-year-old has a release clause of £21.5 million; however, that amount will rise to £25.8 million on August 15th. It’s obvious that Espanyol doesn’t want to sell him for a low price. With the new valuation, their bargaining power should rise.
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