Arsenal are preparing to act quickly in the transfer window as they circle one of Europe’s standout goalkeepers.
Arsenal remain determined to sign Joan García from Espanyol at the end of the season, with the club aiming to move quickly once the window opens.
The 24-year-old has been one of the standout goalkeepers in Europe this season. He leads La Liga in saves (138) and has made more high claims (57) than any other goalkeeper across the top five leagues.
Arsenal tried hard to sign him last summer before bringing in Neto on loan from Bournemouth, but interest in García has not gone away.
“There was lots of interest last summer, above all from Arsenal, but I stayed here and from then on I have been 100% focused on this campaign,” García said recently. “We all know the situation, not just mine, but of the club, and anything can happen. But the future will tell and we will worry about it when the time comes.”
Barcelona are also monitoring García and will face him in the derby at the RCDE Stadium on Wednesday, but they have not made any offer. His €25 million release clause could rise to €30 million if he is called up to the national team or if a deal drags into the final two weeks of the window, though neither scenario appears likely right now.
Alongside Arsenal, he has drawn interest from Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Former Espanyol advisor Robert Hernando told La Grada Radio that Real Madrid are “very serious” about García and could consider buying him and loaning him back. That type of deal doesn’t suit Arsenal’s situation. With Neto’s loan ending, David Raya will need competition, and Arsenal want someone ready now.
Andrea Berta, the club’s new sporting director, has not made contact yet, according to a report by Ryan Taylor in the Mirror, who cites sources close to García. That contrasts with the more aggressive approach under the previous recruitment team, and reports in Spain.
García is reportedly open to the move and prepared to compete with Raya if the deal happens. Arsenal’s plan is to move quickly once the season is over, and the goalkeeper position remains a priority.