Arsenal are now looking to replace Aaron Ramsdale after a move was agreed to take him to Southampton, and for several months they have had their sights set on Joan Garcia. The 23-year-old Espanyol goalkeeper has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid in recent months, but Arsenal are committed to signing him.
Garcia has a €30m release clause, and Espanyol are set to demand that figure in order to let him go. The Olympic gold medallist is keen on a move to Arsenal though, and as per Fabrizio Romano, has agreed terms with the Gunners already. Arsenal have made an offer of €20m including bonuses for Garcia.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal submit €20m package bid for Joan García as new GK to replace Ramsdale.
Agents Juanma López and Andy Bara bring the proposal to Espanyol worth €20m add-ons included.
Espanyol ask for €30m clause.
Joan García agreed terms with #AFC and wants Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/h5EqE6KmaG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2024
It seems unlikely Espanyol would accept that amount, if only because they will feel Arsenal will be willing to negotiate. He has been identified as their top target following a recommendation from Inaki Cano, their goalkeeping coach. Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez told the press on Wednesday night that he thought Garcia would be staying in Barcelona, as €30m was a high release clause to pay for most teams.
