Arsenal came into the summer with a list of primary transfer targets, and Andrea Berta will now be forced to change direction in one area, after one of them agreed a move elsewhere.
The Gunners have a lot to do this summer, with a striker, a winger, a midfielder, a defender and a back-up goalkeeper all on Berta’s wishlist.
Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are the prominent striker targets, while it’s well documented that Nico Williams is Arsenal’s preferred wide forward signing.
It’s unclear who the North Londoners’ first-choice defensive recruit is, while Joan Garcia has long been touted as Mikel Arteta’s dream man to deputise for David Raya.
Arsenal set to miss out on Joan Garcia to Barcelona
Arsenal need to find a new number two goalkeeper this summer, with Norberto Neto returning to Bournemouth after a season-long loan at the Emirates.
Garcia has been identified as their main target in this position, and the Gunners tried to sign the Spaniard last summer but ultimately refused to meet Espanyol’s asking price.
After an impressive debut campaign in Ligue 1, Garcia’s stock has risen and he’s now set to join Barcelona instead of the North Londoners, likely with a view to him succeeding Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the mid-term.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan giants have all but agreed a long-term contract with Garcia, who has approved the prospective transfer.
Barcelona are expected to wrap the deal up imminently, forcing Arsenal to pivot their approach in this position.
Who should Arsenal sign instead of Joan Garcia?
Arteta was reportedly insistent on signing Garcia, and Berta will now not be able to satisfy his manager’s transfer demands, as he looks elsewhere for Raya’s understudy.
Ultimately, missing out on Garcia is probably a blessing in disguise for the Gunners, given how much Espanyol are said to be asking for.
Arsenal don’t have unlimited resources to work with this summer, but they do have several players they need to bring in, so allocating a large chunk of their restricted budget on a goalkeeper was always a questionable idea.
Instead, the Gunners should look to bring in a veteran goalkeeper who won’t cost a fortune and will provide more value in what he brings to the dressing room rather than his influence on the pitch.
Barcelona’s acquisition of Garcia may suggest Wojciech Szczesny won’t be remaining at the Camp Nou, and thus, Arsenal should explore the possibility of signing their former shot-stopper.
Szczesny performed admirably for the La Liga outfit in the Champions League last season, and would likely be delighted to return to the club he claims he supports.
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