Arsenal receive EXCELLENT news on top target despite Barcelona interest

Tom Weber

Updated: 25 Feb 2025 15:45 GMT
3 min read

Barcelona have an interest in goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but Arsenal remain best-positioned to sign him, according to Spanish media.

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The Gunners wanted to sign the Spaniard in the previous summer window, but no deal could ultimately be struck. His side, Espanyol, insisted that his release clause, which is believed to be worth between €25 million and €30m, be triggered.

Arsenal attempted to drive down the price but failed to do so, leaving them with no choice but to move on and sign veteran Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto to replace Aaron Ramsdale after he had joined Southampton.

The North London club remain in the market for a long-term option between the sticks to challenge David Raya and the interest in Garcia has not disappeared. On the contrary, he is still their top target for the goalkeeper position.

The 23-year-old has excelled for Espanyol in LaLiga as the Barcelona-based side battle relegation. Indeed, his performances have also caught the eyes of their big city rivals.

Garcia to move in the summer

Cadena SER reports that FC Barcelona have taken an interest in Garcia, but the outlet is quick to acknowledge that a summer transfer to the Camp Nou is unlikely.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is set to return from his long-term injury and the Blaugrana are in the process of extending Wojciech Szczesny's contract to keep him in Catalunya for an additional season.

Barcelona are therefore well-stocked in the goalkeeper department and have no need for Garcia despite the admiration for him. This is good news for Arsenal, as is the revelation that Espanyol will likely have to sell Garcia in the summer.

The report states that Espanyol are aiming to return to LaLiga's 1:1 financial rule for the summer and will have to pull off a big sale to achieve this. The idea is, therefore, to sell Garcia before the end of the economic year on June 30.

Sporting director Fran Garagarza recently admitted: "If an offer comes close to the clause, we won’t say no. But if it's €8m, that would be a bad sale. In the summer, if a club meets the clause, then it's done. But if it's just below, we can discuss it."