Arsenal and Barcelona are set to go head-to-head for the signing of Espanyol’s highly-rated goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, in the upcoming transfer window. Reports suggest that Mikel Arteta’s side had previously made a €20 million (£16.5m) bid for Garcia last summer, only for Espanyol to reject the offer in the final stages of the window.
Since then, Arsenal opted to bring in Neto on loan from Bournemouth as a short-term solution. However, with the club still monitoring Garcia’s progress in La Liga, another approach is expected this summer. Espanyol, now more open to parting ways with their star goalkeeper, may be forced to accept a deal, given Garcia’s €25m (£20.7m) release clause.
Garcia Hints at Espanyol Exit
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has subtly acknowledged the possibility of leaving Espanyol at the end of the season. Speaking to Estadio Deportivo, Garcia expressed his gratitude towards the club while suggesting that any exit must be handled with care.
“At the moment, I’m not thinking about that [future], but you never know. If it happens, let it happen in the best way,” Garcia stated. “Espanyol are the club that has given me everything. If I go through the back door, it wouldn’t go well.”
With his contract release clause making negotiations more straightforward, Arsenal will have to move quickly if they hope to secure his services before Barcelona makes their move.
Barcelona’s Goalkeeper Situation Fuels Interest
Arsenal will not have a free run at Garcia’s signature, as Barcelona is also reportedly in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen sidelined due to a serious knee injury and aging past his prime, the Catalan giants are seeking a long-term replacement.
Inaki Pena has stepped in for much of the season but was recently benched in favor of Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish shot-stopper initially retired after leaving Juventus in the summer but made a surprise return to professional football by signing a short-term deal with Barcelona. However, he is unlikely to be a long-term solution, making Garcia an attractive target for Xavi’s squad.
Arsenal and Barcelona Eye Alexander Isak
In addition to their battle over Garcia, Arsenal and Barcelona could also go head-to-head for Newcastle United’s star striker, Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward has been in red-hot form this season, recently netting a brace against Nottingham Forest to bring his tally to 19 goals in 24 Premier League games.
Reports indicate that both clubs are considering Isak as a summer target, but Newcastle has slapped a hefty £160m price tag on their prized striker. With Financial Fair Play restrictions and budget limitations, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Barcelona will be willing to match such a valuation.
Other Clubs Join the Isak Chase
Arsenal and Barcelona are not the only clubs monitoring Isak’s situation. Chelsea has been linked with the prolific striker, while Liverpool has also been urged to join the race as they consider a potential successor to Darwin Nunez.
As the summer transfer window approaches, both Garcia and Isak could find themselves at the center of bidding wars between Europe’s elite clubs. Arsenal will have to act swiftly if they hope to secure their targets ahead of fierce competition.