Espanyol boss confirms Arsenal target Joan Garcia could leave this summer
Arsenal’s transfer engine continues to hum behind the scenes, even as the club gears up for a blockbuster Champions League showdown with PSG.
Arsenal Close In on Goalkeeper Signing After Agreeing Terms with La Liga Star
With Andrea Berta now steering recruitment efforts as Director of Football, the Gunners are making significant strides in shaping their squad for next season.
Among the key targets is Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia — a player Arsenal have tracked closely since last summer.
The Gunners reportedly agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old back then, but chose not to trigger his £20 million (€25m) release clause, instead opting for a short-term loan deal with Bournemouth’s Neto.
Now, with Neto set to return to the Vitality Stadium in June, Arsenal are reigniting their interest in Garcia — and this time, the path could be clearer.
Speaking to Metro, Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez acknowledged the growing uncertainty around his No.1’s future.
“I can’t guarantee that he’ll stay at Espanyol next season,” Gonzalez admitted.
“You’re all seeing the level he’s at, which is what it is.”
Garcia has been a standout performer in La Liga this season, keeping seven clean sheets in 31 appearances and playing a crucial role in helping Espanyol steer clear of relegation trouble.
His sharp reflexes and composure under pressure have caught the attention of top European clubs — and Arsenal are not alone in the race.
Manchester City have now entered the fray, with Pep Guardiola reportedly viewing Garcia as a potential long-term replacement for Ederson.
With the Brazilian edging closer to the final year of his contract, and Bayer Leverkusen circling Stefan Ortega, Garcia has emerged as a viable option for the Premier League champions.
Should Arsenal fail to act decisively once again, Mikel Arteta could see another top target slip through his fingers — this time to a direct rival.
As the summer window approaches, all eyes will be on North London and Catalonia to see whether Garcia’s next chapter will unfold in red or sky blue.