Arsenal are reportedly expanding their hunt for a new goalkeeper after being put off by Espanyol’s demands for Joan Garcia.
Though Arsenal have suffered some disappointing results this season and sit six points behind leaders Liverpool, they remain firmly in the Premier League title race going into 2025.
The January transfer window will offer Mikel Arteta the chance to bolster his squad ahead of the pivotal run-in, even if PSR restrictions means it’s unlikely many clubs will be spending big in the first month of the new year.
Arsenal could be in the market for a new forward in particular after the devastating news that Bukayo Saka requires hamstring surgery and faces a lengthy spell on the side lines.
Though not as an immediate concern, the goalkeeper position is one that Arsenal are looking to solidify in the summer.
However, with top target Joan Garcia seemingly too expensive, it’s reported that Argentine starlet Leandro Brey is being scouted by the Gunners.
Leandro Brey subject to Arsenal ‘scouting checks’
The Daily Mirror reports Arsenal are ‘broadening’ their goalkeeper search to find competition for David Raya next summer after baulking at Espanyol’s asking price for Garcia.
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old but reportedly don’t want to pay his £25m release clause, while the Spanish club will not sell him for less. The figure is also said to increase if Garcia is called up to the Spain squad.
Arsenal failed in two attempts to sign Garcia last summer and instead recruited Bournemouth’s Neto on loan to facilitate Aaron Ramsdale’s Southampton switch.
Neto isn’t expected to sign permanently, however, so Arsenal are searching for another signing between the sticks, with Boca Juniors star Brey being subject to ‘scouting checks.’
It’s added that Brey is thought to have a £12m release clause in his own deal and has already attracted interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Napoli.
Leandro Brey could be the perfect David Raya back-up
As Liverpool have shown this season by having Caoimhin Kelleher on hand to replace the injured Allison, having two quality goalkeeper options can be a worthy expense.
It’s a tough one to pull off, though, as any talented shot-stopper in the prime of their career won’t want to waste it on the bench. That’s why you need to find a young goalkeeper with great potential but who is willing to fight for his place.
The 22-year-old Brey appears to fit the bill. Despite his tender years, Brey has now broken into the Boca first team and has kept 11 clean sheets in 22 games. A sensational rate.
With league and cup honours under his belt, he already has winning experience and the mentality needed for a team challenging at the top of the Premier League.
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