Arsenal currently view Joan Garcia as their number-one target for a goalkeeper transfer this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.
The shot-stopper is one of several options who could bolster their ranks, with a busy transfer window coming for sporting director Andrea Berta.
While Arsenal are expected to sign a striker, a winger and a midfielder, there is a priority to change up the goalkeeping options.
Neto ends his loan spell this summer and will return to Bournemouth, leaving the number-two position open.
An effort was made to sign Joan Garcia last year, a move that didn’t go their way, but could this time around.
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Joan Garcia to Arsenal transfer update ahead of potential summer move
Arsenal have been tracking a transfer for Joan Garcia over the past year, with the Espanyol shot-stopper appearing as a possible option.
With a release clause worth roughly £20million, the Gunners could trigger a move this summer, with the goalkeeper position being a clear priority.
Arsenal Insider spoke with transfer expert Graeme Bailey about the situation, who revealed: “The backup goalkeeper is a priority, and Joan Garcia is their first choice.
“They’d desperately love to bring him in and be the one.”
With an impressive season at Espanyol under his belt, that may be a challenge, though, with the promise of first-team football likely to be tough to come across at Arsenal.
That in itself could make it difficult for Andrea Berta to get a deal over the line, while other options line up for Joan Garcia.
Bailey continued: “Unfortunately, this season, having failed to get him in August [2024], he’s gone on to be one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga. The issue with him, is he willing to be the number two at a club when there’s an awful lot of interest where he’s got the opportunity to be a number one? Possibly even in the Premier League.
“That’s the problem Arsenal have got on it, where the player was willing to come in August [2024] and serve as a number two, is that still the case?
“I think that’s the worry here. If he is willing to cover number two, Arsenal think they can still get him, but that’s the issue with him; he has an awful lot of options to go elsewhere.”
It remains to be seen whether he would be up for making the switch, but it’s clear that he would be a huge boost to Arsenal in their goalkeeping options.
What Joan Garcia has said about transfer possibility
With Garcia attracting plenty of interest, the goalkeeper has spoken out about a possible move in the summer.
He recently said, via Estadio Deportivo: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it, but you never know. If it happens, let it happen in the best way.
“If in the end it turns out that I have to leave, how can I not say goodbye properly? Espanyol is the club that has given me everything. If I leave through the back door, it wouldn’t go well for me.”
It remains to be seen whether he will be on his way to the Emirates Stadium or elsewhere when the time comes this summer.
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