Two months ago, reports suggested that Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia was on the verge of joining Arsenal.

The rumours, sparked by Barcelona journalist Gerard Romero, hinted at a deal being imminent.

Now, with Arsenal agreeing to sell Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton, speculation around Garcia’s potential move to North London has reignited with a bid proposed.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale applauds as he celebrates at the end of the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Arsenal at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on November 25, 2023. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale applauds as he celebrates at the end of the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Arsenal at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on November 25, 2023. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Aaron Ramsdale is undergoing a medical at Southampton ahead of his permanent switch from Arsenal.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper is set to join Southampton on a proposed four-year contract with an option for an additional year. The deal is structured with Arsenal receiving £18 million up front, £1 million contingent on Southampton’s Premier League survival, and up to £6 million in further incentives, bringing the total potential fee to £25 million.

This transfer marks a significant moment for Arsenal, as they look to reshape their goalkeeping department.

With Ramsdale on his way out, attention has naturally turned back to Joan Garcia, the young Espanyol shot-stopper who has been linked with a move to the Emirates since June.

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

Back in June, Gerard Romero claimed on a Jijantes FC stream that Joan Garcia was close to becoming an Arsenal player.

At the time, Garcia had just completed an impressive second half of the 2023/24 season with Espanyol, establishing himself as their first-choice goalkeeper and earning widespread praise for his performances.

Garcia, who stands at 6’3″, quickly became known for his shot-stopping ability, maintaining an 82.5% save percentage and outperforming his post-shot expected goals against.

Despite the rumours, Garcia expressed his contentment with his current club. “I have always felt the love of the fans,” he said. “Very happy that people are with me. And for that part [transfers], don’t worry, I’m very good here and above all I would ask you to be calm and encourage us.”

Romero’s claim that Arsenal were leading the race for Garcia’s signature was met with excitement among Gunners supporters, especially as other top clubs, including Real Madrid, were also reportedly monitoring his progress.

With Ramsdale now set to leave, Arsenal are once again linked with a move for Garcia.

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

Earlier this month, David Ornstein confirmed that Arsenal had lined up Garcia as a potential replacement for Ramsdale in line with the club’s strategy of recruiting young, talented players who can grow and develop within Mikel Arteta’s system.

Espanyol, however, are not keen to part ways with their star goalkeeper.

Garcia currently has a £25.7 million (€30m) release clause in his contract which could rise to £30 million if he makes his debut for the Spanish national team. This puts Arsenal in a challenging position, as they initially hoped to secure Garcia for around €15 million (£12.9 million) or less.

However, Espanyol’s financial situation may force them to consider selling Garcia, despite his importance to the team. Recent reports from Spain suggest that Garcia’s future is closely tied to Espanyol’s survival hopes in La Liga. If he stays, Espanyol’s chances of avoiding relegation are significantly higher.

However, if he leaves, the club could use the funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Espanyol are therefore likely to hold out for Garcia’s full release clause, especially with Arsenal seen as being flush with cash from Ramsdale’s sale.

The Spanish press has emphasised that selling Garcia below his release clause would be seen as a defeat for Espanyol’s management, particularly as they try to rebuild and secure their top-flight status.

Given all this, it remains to be seen if Arsenal’s €20m package which has been submitted will move the Spanish club but it seems unlikely.

As Ramsdale’s move to Southampton nears completion, Arsenal’s pursuit of Joan Garcia is expected to intensify. The Gunners are keen to secure a top-quality goalkeeper to replace Ramsdale, and Garcia fits the profile they are looking for.

However, negotiations with Espanyol could prove challenging, especially if the Spanish club demands the full release clause.

For now, Arsenal fans will have to wait and see whether Joan Garcia becomes the latest addition to Arteta’s squad.

Two months ago, the prospect of Joan Garcia joining Arsenal seemed almost certain. While the deal has not yet materialised, Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton has reignited speculation.

As Arsenal prepares for life without Ramsdale, the pursuit of Joan Garcia could become the focal point of their remaining transfer activity..