Despite the transfer deadline being more than two weeks away, Arsenal now face a far more pressing timeframe in which to get a deal for Joan Garcia over the line.
Arsenal may well have something of a goalkeeper crisis to deal with this summer. Karl Hein has already left on loan, leaving just David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale remaining at the Emirates Stadium as first team options between the sticks.
Raya will undoubtedly be Mikel Arteta’s No. 1 this season, and the Gunners have already converted his loan switch from Brentford into a permanent move. Arguably, the North London club need to bring in a third choice option now to replace Hein.
On top of that, there is real uncertainty over Ramsdale’s future. The England international slipped down the pecking order last season, as he was usurped as the first choice by Raya.
The last thing he needs at this stage in his career is another campaign sat on the bench offering back up to the Spaniard. The Gunners are aware that such a season would negatively impact his market value, too.
Arsenal are open to selling Ramsdale, and recently turned down a loan offer from Ajax, which shows that there is at least some level of interest in the former Sheffield United man.
His departure would leave the Gunners in desperate need of a replacement, though. Arsenal have been linked with Joan Garcia, but now the need to secure a deal for the Espanyol man is more urgent than ever.
Why Arsenal need to sign Joan Garcia today
Due to a clause in Garcia’s current contract, Arsenal will have to pay more for his services if they fail to land an agreement today.
As reported by The Standard, the 23-year-old currently has a £21.4 million release clause. However, that figure will rise to £25.7 million at the end of Thursday.
On top of that, the moment Garcia makes his senior international debut for Spain, his release clause will increase once again to £30 million. Therefore, if Arsenal want to secure the Olympic gold medal winner at the best possible price, then sporting director Edu needs to get busy.
Should Arsenal cash in on Aaron Ramsdale?
If Arsenal can bring Garcia into the club, then attention must turn to fetching the highest possible price for Ramsdale.
However, if finding a replacement for the 26-year-old looks as though it could prove difficult, then the Gunners will have no choice but to accept the consequences of having him on the bench for another season.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
