Sporting director confirms transfer ‘call’ from Arsenal ahead of summer deal with sale demand made clear

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Arsenal are hoping to make a significant impact in the summer transfer window, with several targets already sounded out.

After Arsenal fans were left disappointed by the January transfer window, all eyes are on the Kroenkes to deliver in the summer. 

A lot is riding on the summer transfer window already, given how poor the 2024 market was for Mikel Arteta, who was left short ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. 

The focus will undoubtedly be on the striker situation however, it’s become apparent that two targets in opposing positions could be the first over the line.

• READ MORE: Stan Kroenke could spend £200m on new signings as he ‘puts Arsenal in shop window’ – finance expert

Espanyol sporting director confirms Arsenal transfer plan for Joan Garcia 

Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal-bound, with the Euro 2024 winner set to bolster Arteta’s midfield. 

It appears that the Real Sociedad star isn’t the only player from the Spanish market that the Gunners are closing in on, as Arsenal are ready to move for Joan Garcia. 

The Espanyol goalkeeper was wanted by the Gunners in the summer but, a deal was not struck due to a difference in valuation, resulting in Arteta recruiting Neto on loan from Bournemouth. 

A long-term solution needs to be identified regarding Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper, with Garcia the likely answer to such woes in the summer.

Amid reports linking Arsenal to Garcia ahead of the 2025 window, Espanyol’s sporting director Fran Garagarza commented on the goalkeeper’s future in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. 

It’s been stressed that Arsenal must pay Garcia’s release clause if they are to sign the shot-stopper, with his value stamped at €30m (£25m), which Garagarza echoed as well as providing a slightly different stance. 

“Clause or nothing? No. In the summer market, with the call from Arsenal last week, that is where it has to be. But if you get an offer on June 14 that is not the clause but is close to it in terms of fixed and variable amounts, Espanyol is not going to say no.

“They cannot say no. If a club comes with eight million for Joan Garcia, that is a bad sale, 100%.”

Arsenal remain close to Joan Garcia situation

As well as outlining the asking price for the goalkeeper, Garagarza confirmed that Arsenal have been in recent contact with Espanyol regarding a summer transfer.

It’s encouraging, as it appears that the Gunners are ready to fire out of the blocks when the window officially opens, lining up two deals already. 

With Neto set to return to Bournemouth at the expiration of his loan spell, recruiting Garcia is the logical next step, with Arteta’s side appearing to be in control. 

While the Spaniard is the first choice to challenge Raya, Arsenal must be respectful in their approach for the 23-year-old, who has a strict valuation at Espanyol for good reason.