Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has admitted he was aware of the interest from Arsenal last summer, but his options are still open ahead of the 2025 window.
Espanyol’s Joan Garcia was a key target for Arsenal last summer, with the Gunners making multiple bids to sign the goalkeeper before eventually turning to AFC Bournemouth to secure Neto’s loan move.
Garcia has now confirmed that he was aware of the interest from north London, but insists anything could still happen this summer.
“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,” Garcia said.
“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.”
Former Espanyol advisor Robert Hernando recently spoke to La Grada Radio about Garcia, claiming Real Madrid are “very serious” about the player this summer, but Arsenal remain in the race along with Manchester City.
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.
There have also been recent 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.
One of the best performing goalkeepers in La Liga this season, Garcia reportedly remains open to joining Arsenal and is keen to compete with Raya for the number-one spot if he gets the chance.