Former Espanyol advisor Robert Hernando claims both Arsenal and Real Madrid are in the mix for goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.
Former Espanyol advisor Robert Hernando spoke to La Grada Radio about Joan Garcia this week, a talented goalkeeper playing for his old club.
Sport Witness report that Hernando claimed Real Madrid are now “very serious” about Garcia, with Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester City also interested in the potential signing.
Serie A side Como are also reportedly interested, but the player would prefer a move to either Real Madrid or the Premier League.
According to Hernando, Real Madrid could consider signing Garcia and loaning him back to Espanyol for another year or two, allowing them to secure their goalkeeping position for the long term.
It’s unclear if Arsenal would be willing to sanction similar terms, considering the Gunners need a goalkeeper more urgently.
Though David Raya is a strong number-one choice, backup goalkeeper Neto will end his loan and return to Bournemouth this summer.
This update puts another dent in any hopes of seeing Garcia in an Arsenal shirt this summer, following reports that new sporting director Andrea Berta is less keen on a deal than his predecessors were.
Ryan Taylor claimed for the Mirror that sources close to Garcia have indicated there hasn’t been any contact from the new sporting director since joining Arsenal.
Yet the player remains open to joining and keen to compete with Raya for the number-one spot if he gets the chance. It’s just looking increasingly unlikely given the rivals for his signature and the more laid-back approach to the deal from Berta.