Espanyol director Fran Garagarza has stated that while the club could not afford to lose Joan Garcia this summer, there may be an opportunity to sell him “another time.” This aligns with reports from PaperTalk regarding the Arsenal target.
After Aaron Ramsdale’s departure, Arsenal needed to find a second-choice goalkeeper, considering options like Sam Tickle, Daniel Bentley, and Garcia. Ultimately, they secured Bournemouth’s Neto for the season, but only after having a €20 million (approximately £17 million) bid for Garcia rejected.
Garagarza emphasized that Espanyol needed Garcia for their objectives, citing his importance in a specific position. He mentioned, “We could not weaken there, we could not,” and acknowledged that interest in Garcia would persist, suggesting a future sale is possible.
Arsenal remains interested in Garcia, and sources indicate that this interest will not wane. They are still looking to secure him after their unsuccessful attempt last summer. Neto was intended as a temporary solution, while Garcia is viewed as the long-term answer in goal.
On other transfer news, Arsenal appears to be out of the running for two prominent attackers. Reports suggest that Anthony Gordon, who Newcastle wants to retain, is not on Arsenal’s radar. Additionally, it seems unlikely they will pursue Victor Osimhen, as they are looking for a striker with a different profile.
Thomas Partey is expected to leave the club, with the Saudi Pro League interested in acquiring him after the season ends. To fill his role, Arsenal is reportedly targeting Martin Zubimendi, who declined a move to Liverpool in the summer and now seems open to leaving Real Sociedad.
### Joan Garcia’s Performance
Garcia, just 23 years old, has enjoyed a solid start to his senior career, playing 34 matches and conceding only 26 goals, with 14 clean sheets. He achieved one of those clean sheets this season in a 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid. Apart from that match, he has not allowed more than one goal in any game this season, except for a recent 3-2 victory over Alaves.
