Who Arsenal are ‘actively looking at’ for David Raya back-up role amid Joan Garcia transfer competition

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Arsenal are actively looking at alternatives for Joan Garcia, as competition for the Espanyol goalkeeper grows, Arsenal Insider understands.

Garcia is enjoying an exceptional season for the Catalan club, keeping seven clean sheets in 37 La Liga appearances thus far.

This form has prompted interest from a host of clubs, including the Gunners, as well as Aston Villa and Manchester United.

Garcia could cost Arsenal upwards of £25 million, and with other sides able to offer him the number one shirt, the North London outfit are beginning to look more seriously at other options.

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Arsenal are looking at Anthony Patterson and Yahia Fofana as transfer alternatives to Joan Garcia

Neto is expected to return to Bournemouth following his loan spell at the Emirates, meaning Arsenal need a new deputy for David Raya for next season.

Garcia has been identified as the primary target, and the Gunners tried to sign the Spaniard last summer.

However, after an excellent campaign in La Liga, the 23-year-old’s stock has risen, and he may no longer be open to playing a back-up role.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that Arsenal are exploring alternatives, with Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson and Angers’ Yahia Fofana two names that have been mooted.

“They are working on a few [Garcia alternatives], they’ve looked in the English leagues, Anthony Patterson at Sunderland is one,” he said.

“They’ve also looked abroad. I know they’ve looked at the Ivory Coast number one, Yahia Fofana. He’s at Angers and they’ve definitely had a look at him, but there’s others as well.

“They want someone in who wouldn’t be a drop-off when Raya isn’t playing. Obviously we know Garcia would offer that, but also as we know there’s a lot of interest in him and is he willing to come in as a number two?

“They haven’t given up yet and they haven’t been told no yet by Garcia. So we’ll see how it goes, but yeah, it is a market they’re looking at. There are a few players in the mix there, and I’m told they are actively looking in case Garcia doesn’t come in.”

Who are Anthony Patterson and Yahia Fofana?

Both Patterson and Fofana represent more likely options based on their current standings in the game and prospective price tags.

Patterson developed through Sunderland’s academy and broke into the first team during the Black Cats’ League One promotion campaign back in 2022.

First choice for the north-east outfit in the Championship over the last three seasons, the Englishman is adept at claiming crosses and comfortable on the ball – two of Raya’s greatest attributes.

If Sunderland win promotion to the top flight via the play-offs, then Patterson may be inclined to remain at his boyhood club for their return to the Premier League.

However, if Regis Le Bris’ team fail to beat Sheffield United at Wembley, the shot-stopper may be open to a switch to N5.

As for Fofana, the 24-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 this season for Angers, in what is his third year at the French club.

Previously playing for Ligue 2 side Le Havre, the Ivorian has established himself as first choice in between the sticks for his nation, and could be keen on a step up to a bigger club.