Man Utd CRUSH Arsenal with move for 'top-level' star

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Apr 2025 12:30 BST
4 min read

Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to Spanish media.

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The 23-year-old shot-stopper has established himself as one of the most capable goalkeepers in LaLiga this season, which has only served to increase the interest in him.

Last summer, Arsenal tried to swoop for Garcia after he had just helped Espanyol return to the top flight, but no deal could ultimately be struck. The Spanish side insisted on the price of his €30 million release clause, which the Gunners were unwilling to pay.

It will be a different story this summer, with Espanyol understood to be open to selling as they need to raise funds. Arsenal remain interested and, indeed, they have been viewed as the clear favourites to secure his signature.

However, Garcia's exploits have also attracted potential rivals. The goalkeeper, who was recently compared to none other than Lionel Messi, is also being courted by Man Utd, with FootballTransfers recently confirming the interest from the Red Devils.

Man Utd accelerate Garcia chase

According to COPE, Man Utd are now stepping up their pursuit of Garcia. The Red Devils have concerns over Andre Onana, with Ruben Amorim in particular said to have lost faith in the goalkeeper.

Garcia is viewed as an ideal replacement, although not everyone at Man Utd is convinced that their limited funds should be spent on a goalkeeper this summer.

The Spanish outlet states that Man Utd are 'tempting' Garcia and goes so far as to suggest that the Premier League giants have already opened talks with the player's camp and 'made an offer.'

Meanwhile, however, Espanyol director Fran Garagarza has insisted that so far there is only 'noise' and no 'firm movement' just yet for Garcia. “There’s a lot of noise, but nothing is happening," Garagarza said.

"There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous window. There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm."