As Arsenal hope to derail Real Madrid’s Champions League dream, Los Blancos want to rain on Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans.
The Gunners will take a three-goal lead to the Santiago Bernabeu following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
Madrid are making noise about a comeback, and that’s not the only pain the Spanish giants wish to inflict on Arteta.
Looking ahead to the end of the season, Real Madrid are eyeing two transfer targets of Arsenal’s, dealing the Gunners a possible double blow in the summer.
- READ MORE: Mikel Merino hasn’t ‘spoken’ to his Arsenal teammates about one thing he knows Real Madrid can do
Real Madrid have ‘serious’ interest in Arsenal target Joan Garcia
Arsenal are in line to sign Martin Zubimendi ahead of next season however, the Spaniard’s proposed move may not be as simple as first anticipated.
That’s because Real Madrid are admirers of Zubimendi and would like to snatch the midfielder from Real Sociedad to make the move across Spain.
It’s not only the Euro 2024 winner who is on the radar of both clubs, as an update has emerged on Arsenal target Joan Garcia.
Arsenal were backed to sign Garcia in the summer however, the goalkeeper remained at Espanyol.
Now, it’s become clear that Real Madrid are hot in their pursuit of the shot-stopper, as Espanyol expert Robert Hernando reported on X.
Hernando was eager to share information he’d received on Madrid’s interest, revealing that Los Blancos are now ‘very serious’ about acquiring the 23-year-old.
“I have been told from a reliable source that Real Madrid is already very interested and determined to sign Joan, something had already been suggested, but it seems that now they are very serious.”
Hernando went on to share his understanding that Arsenal and Manchester City are both eyeing the shot-stopper, but regrettably, Real Madrid could have the upper hand.
Why Real Madrid might be the favourites to land Joan Garcia
Arsenal’s chances of signing Garcia dipped as it’s unlikely that the Spaniard would replace David Raya as number one, and at 23, the Espanyol star isn’t ready to take on the gruelling role of being back-up.
Such was an issue raised by Hernando, who revealed the plan Real Madrid have for the impressive ‘keeper, which would appeal to both Garcia and Espanyol.
Describing the situation as ‘very interesting’, Hernando explained the following possible transfer condition.
“It could be agreed in the sale with Madrid that Joan would play on loan for one or two more seasons at Espanyol until the total twilight of Thibaut Courtois’s career arrives, since he is considered a young player who needs to start every matchday.”
It’s unlikely that Garcia’s next stop will see him become a club’s number two, which, despite being a blow for Arsenal, is understandable with regard to the player’s development.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
