Arsenal have lined up Joan Garcia as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, should the goalkeeper leave the club this summer.

Joan Garcia playing for Espanyol (Photo via Garcia on Instagram)
Joan Garcia playing for Espanyol (Photo via Garcia on Instagram)

David Ornstein reported for The Athletic on Tuesday that Arsenal have lined up Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale this summer.

The Gunners want to sell rather than loan Ramsdale if possible, turning down a loan approach from Ajax. The Dutch club remain interested and optimistic about a deal.

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Joan Garcia (top right) among RCD Espanyol players wearing black t-shirts in protest against referees prior to the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and UD Almeria at RCDE Stadium on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Joan Garcia (top right) among RCD Espanyol players wearing black t-shirts in protest against referees prior to the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and UD Almeria at RCDE Stadium on June 04, 2023. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Simon Collings has since reported for The Standard that Arsenal are considering a move for Garcia as they prepare for the possible departure of Ramsdale.

Collings adds that Garcia currently has a £21.4m release clause, but reports in Spain suggest it will go up to £25.7m on Thursday. It would go up again to £30m if he makes his debut for Spain.

That will help Espanyol take a tougher negotiating stance, but it’s unlikely to affect Arsenal directly. Previous reports suggested the Gunners were hoping to sign Garcia for around €15m (£12.9m) or less.

If Espanyol are going to hold out for his release clause, it doesn’t matter if that clause is worth £21m or £30m. It’s already too high.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 23, 2024. Arsenal won the game 5-0. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 23, 2024. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Garcia made 21 appearances for Espanyol last season, keeping 12 clean sheets. He then went on to link up with the Spanish Olympic team, winning gold, though he didn’t make an appearance at the tournament.