Arsenal may suddenly have a chance to sign one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets for just £12m

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Arsenal are looking to sign a back-up goalkeeper this summer.

Alongside a striker, a winger, a midfielder and a defender, the Gunners want to add a competent deputy for David Raya to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.

Norberto Neto is expected to return to Bournemouth after his uneventful loan at the Emirates, leaving Arteta’s squad with a void in the goalkeeping department.

However, Andrea Berta will have to be careful as to how he allocates resources to the position, with a number two unlikely to play significant minutes in N5.

• READ MORE: Arsenal will not trigger Martin Zubimendi’s £51,000,000 release clause as Andrea Berta eyes payment masterplan

Espanyol need to sell Arsenal transfer target Joan Garcia urgently

It’s well documented that Joan Garcia is Arsenal’s primary target for the position of Raya’s back-up.

The shot-stopper has enjoyed a fine season for Espanyol in La Liga, keeping seven clean sheets for the newly-promoted side.

However, some reports have indicated that Garcia’s rising stock and prospective price tag could make it difficult for Arsenal to enact a deal for the player.

That said, according to Diario AS, Espanyol urgently need to cash in on the Spaniard before June 30th to avoid finishing the financial year with a loss.

It’s understood that the Catalan club could accept a fee as low as €15 million (£12.6 million) for Garcia, with this being the amount they need to balance their books.

Arsenal tried to sign Garcia last summer, but were ultimately priced out of a move for the 23-year-old.

This may not be an issue this time around, although the level of competition for the player might be.

Arsenal Insider revealed back in April that Manchester United have made contact with Garcia, with the Red Devils viewing the player as a potential replacement for Andre Onana.

Thus, Berta will need to get a move on if he wants to secure Garcia’s services for Arteta.

Joan Garcia’s statistics 2024/25

Looking at the data, it’s not hard to see why Arsenal are so interested in Garcia, even for a sporadic squad role.

Preventing almost nine goals more than what you’d expect to get past him, the keeper has demonstrated his excellent shot-stopping ability in between the sticks.

Playing in a side languishing just above the La Liga relegation zone, Garcia has done excellently to accumulate seven clean sheets.

Meanwhile, like Raya, he boasts superb crossing claiming qualities, with his imposing figure making it easy for him to snuff out balls into the box.

Excellent on the ball as well, Garcia has everything in his repertoire to be an outstanding modern goalkeeper at the highest level.