Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia broke into the first team in the second half of last season, becoming key in their promotion push. In an exciting few months for the 23-year-old, he was also called up for Spain’s Olympics squad in Paris this summer, and it could be about to get even more exciting.
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have been linked with a move for Garcia, and Relevo now say that the Gunners are willing to meet his asking price. Espanyol will demand €25m for the young goalkeeper, and despite signing David Raya permanently, believe that Garcia will be worth it. The deal could hinge on Arsenal’s ability to get a good fee for Aaron Ramsdale, who they hope to sell.
Part of Arsenal’s confidence in Garcia’s ability is down to goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, who knows him well from his time in Catalonia. Cana is convinced that Garcia could turn into a top goalkeeper with time.
Certainly Spain has a very strong history of producing top goalkeepers. Raya is currently number two to Unai Simon for La Roja, while the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, didn’t even make the squad. Garcia has shown he is capable of some brilliant saves so far.
