David Raya has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper this season without any real pressure on him.
The Gunners explored the market in each of the last two summer transfer windows, looking for another top goalkeeper to compete with their current number one.
One of the players Arsenal looked at and tried to sign was Joan Garcia, but they missed out on him for two consecutive summers for different reasons.
Now, Raya has had his say on his compatriot.
Is David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world? If not, who is?
David Raya hails former Arsenal target Joan Garcia
Garcia is widely regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe and has been in outstanding form this season.
The 24-year-old’s performances have been key for Barcelona, and signing him from local rivals Espanyol has proved to be the right decision.
Recently, Garcia hailed Raya as the best goalkeeper in the world. Now, the Arsenal number one has showered his countryman with praise.
Raya said, as quoted by Alfredo Pedulla: “Joan Garcia? He’s at a very high level.
“Barça wouldn’t be where they are without him. He’s a good guy, which is important, and he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. If the national team coach decides he needs to play, we’ll support him from the start.”
That is big praise from Raya, who clearly seems to have a good relationship with Garcia.
The two goalkeepers could easily have been teammates at Arsenal as well, but unfortunately for the Gunners, they couldn’t get him.
Who is the better goalkeeper right now – Joan Garcia or David Raya?
Joan Garcia rejected Arsenal for Barcelona
Garcia was ready to join Arsenal in the summer of 2024, but Edu Gaspar could not meet Espanyol’s demands, and the deal fell through.
In the following summer, the Gunners were interested again, but this time, Garcia snubbed Arsenal and chose Barcelona instead. That move has worked out well for him so far.
Things could have been very different if the goalkeeper had decided to join Arsenal. For instance, the Gunners could have won a trophy by now if he was their backup shot-stopper.
In the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga proved to be costly. If Garcia had been in goal, Arsenal may well have gone on to win that game.
We think there is a feeling of regret from some of the Arsenal recruitment staff about missing out on Garcia.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
