Arsenal are expected to go through a massive transfer exodus this summer. The team management are backing Mikel Arteta to get his desired players and launch a fresh challenge for the Premier League crown.
The Gunners showed plenty of promise this season, but will end another season without any silverware. This term, they were exceptional in the Champions League but fell short against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal.
Arteta is a big admirer of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and they almost agreed terms with the Spaniard last season, but the move didn’t materialize. However, this time, according to The Independent, the Gunners are close to securing his signature.
The North Londoners were impressed with the young custodian after his breakthrough La Liga campaign. But after the deal didn’t go through, Garcia continued at Espanyol and enjoyed another excellent season.
Apart from Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa and even Newcastle United were also interested in signing the 24-year-old custodian. Ruben Amorim apparently is a big admirer of the Spaniard and wanted him to replace Andre Onana.
However, as per reports, Garcia has chosen Arsenal over the Red Devils despite knowing that he would be a second-choice goalkeeper at Emirates Stadium with David Raya already present at the club.
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What’s the situation with Joan Garcia’s release clause?
Garcia wouldn’t be a major hole in Arsenal’s pocket. If they act quickly, they may lure him away from Espanyol for as low as £21 million.
However, his release clause increases to £25 million in the final 15 days of the summer transfer window as reported by SPORT.
The former Spain U-21 star has quickly grown in stature and gained the attention of many scouts and analysts with his exceptional performances over the last two seasons. Last year in August, Football Analyst Ben Mattinson lavished praise on the rising Espanyol star.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Garcia is super athletic and is a dominating presence in his penalty box. As per FBref, he has registered seven clean sheets from 34 appearances in the La Liga this season, with a great 77.3% save accuracy.
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