Arsenal’s pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has escalated in the final days of the transfer window, with reports from Mundo Deportivo suggesting that the Gunners are applying “massive pressure” to secure the young goalkeeper’s signature.

Despite Espanyol’s firm stance on Garcia’s release clause, Arsenal are determined to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks, especially as they finalise the sale of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton.

According to Mundo Deportivo editor Anna Cordovilla, Arsenal have been aggressively pushing to sign Garcia, making it clear that they want the Espanyol international “no matter what.”

The Gunners have reportedly submitted a formal offer for Garcia, which was delivered by the player’s representatives, Juanma López and Andy Bara.

However, Arsenal’s bid falls short of Garcia’s release clause, which Espanyol has set at €30 million.

The North London club’s offer is believed to be around €20 million, including bonuses.

While this figure is substantial, it remains well below the amount required to trigger the goalkeeper’s release clause.

Espanyol’s official position remains unchanged: if any club wishes to sign Garcia, they must pay the full €30 million. The Catalan club considers Garcia one of their most valuable assets and is not willing to part with him for anything less than the stipulated clause.

The urgency in Arsenal’s pursuit of Garcia is heightened by the impending departure of Aaron Ramsdale. The Gunners have agreed to sell Ramsdale to Southampton for an initial fee of £18 million, with potential add-ons that could raise the total to £25 million.

Ramsdale’s exit will leave Arsenal with a vacancy for a second-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya, who is now the undisputed starter at the Emirates.

With the transfer window closing on Friday at 11pm, Arsenal are keen to secure a capable backup for David Raya. Joan Garcia is seen as the primary target, given his impressive performances for Espanyol and potential for growth.

However, Arsenal are also reportedly considering other options, including Wolves’ Dan Bentley and Wigan‘s Sam Tickle.

Espanyol manager Manolo González has expressed confidence that Garcia will remain with the club, stating, “I think Joan will not leave.” However, he also left the door open to the possibility of a late departure, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the final hours of the transfer window.

Arsenal’s determination to land Garcia, combined with their willingness to use their financial resources, suggests that they may continue to push until the last minute. Whether Espanyol will hold firm or eventually agree to a deal remains to be seen.

The potential acquisition of Joan Garcia is part of a broader strategy by Arsenal to ensure they have sufficient depth and quality in the goalkeeper position. The club has already recouped a significant portion of their investment in Ramsdale and is now looking to reinvest those funds wisely.

The inclusion of a sell-on clause in Ramsdale’s contract with Southampton further demonstrates Arsenal’s refreshingly shrewd approach to selling players these days compared to recent years.

With Ramsdale’s all-but-confirmed departure, Arsenal have the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer for Garcia, but whether it will be enough to meet Espanyol’s demands remains the critical question.

The next 30+ hours will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can successfully secure their target or if they will need to return to alternative options quickly.