Arsenal handed NIGHTMARE blow as European giants eye transfer hijack

Cameron Smith

26 Mar 2025 02:00 CDT
3 min read

Atletico Madrid are reportedly eager to hijack Arsenal’s move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with Mikel Arteta’s side in recent months, after coming close to joining the club in 2024, and he is viewed as the Gunners’ first choice goalkeeper target as they look to sign a capable back-up to David Raya.

Article continues under the video

Current ETV

Joan García

Espanyol

Joan García

Espanyol

ETV Range

€11.8M - €14.5M

Arsenal have been considered to be Garcia’s most likely destination for a while, although Barcelona are also interested in completing a deal, while Atletico Madrid have now joined the race for his signature too.

That is according to Estadio Deportivo, who claim that Diego Simeone’s side may hold a key edge in the race for Garcia as they are willing to loan him back to Espanyol for the 2025-26 season.

Jan Oblak remains the number one goalkeeper at the Wanda Metropolitano and Atletico Madrid are reportedly prepared to sign Garcia with the intention of the Spaniard eventually usurping Oblak in 2026.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are eager to bring Garcia to the club immediately and are unlikely to allow him to return to Espanyol for another year.

Arsenal face transfer battle

Arsenal are also set to face a transfer battle for a number of their other targets this summer.

Martin Zubimendi is being heavily pursued by Real Madrid, despite the Gunners aiming to finalise an agreement over a move, while Nico Williams is wanted by Barcelona, Chelsea and Aston Villa, among others.

In addition, Liverpool are pushing to sign key striker target Alexander Isak and Manchester United are aiming to reunite Ruben Amorim with Viktor Gyokeres.

As a result, Arsenal will be required to fight off significant competition from across Europe in their bid to strengthen Arteta’s squad and build a team capable of winning the Premier League title next season.