Arsenal are reportedly weighing up another try at signing goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol in Jan, after failing to sign the Spanish keeper during the summer window.
Aaron Ramsdale left the club this summer after he had been replaced by David Raya as first choice goalkeeper. Joan Garcia was shortlisted to become the backup to Raya, but a move broke down, and the Gunners ended up signing Bournemouth keeper Neto on loan.
After the window closed, Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza said they would consider selling the keeper but not this summer:
“For this exercise, we have understood that Joan is an asset and that he is necessary to achieve the objective because he acts in a very specific position.
“We could not weaken there, we couldn’t.
“The interest in him is not going to stop. The time to sell Joan may be at another time.”
Garcia had a fruitful summer, winning the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games men’s football tournament with Spain.
Joan Garcia having a brilliant start to the season
Newly promoted Espanyol have surprised everyone in La Liga, winning two games out of their first six. They have only lost to Real Madrid in their last four league games.
Much of that is due to Garcia, who has the most saves per game in La Liga this season (4.5 per game). A report from El Periodico Mediterraneo claims Arsenal could return for the keeper in January.
This would probably mean that Neto would have his loan deal terminated, and Garcia would fill that gap. However Arsenal would need to pay Joan Garcia’s €30million release clause – according to AS, Arsenal were only willing to pay €20million which was part of why the move broke down in the summer.
Failed move to England has benefited Espanyol keeper
Garcia spoke on the Arsenal saga a few months back, stating that the transfer links made him feel isolated from his teammates:
“During the entire market I was quite isolated,” he said.
“I was at the Olympic Games and when I arrived La Liga was already starting. The last few days were more intense, but I was very isolated, focusing on what I had to do, which is the field. I managed not to get distracted.
“Regarding my continuity, I am very happy that people are happy that I have stayed. I have worked all these years for this – playing with Espanyol in the First Division – and this is how it is. I hope to take advantage of it.
