Joan Garcia, a goalkeeper from Spain, is being considered by Arsenal as a potential replacement for David Raya in the next campaign.
Raya’s loan transfer from Brentford is about to become a permanent signing for the Gunners, at an estimated cost of £27 million.
Arsenal will focus on resolving Aaron Ramsdale’s issue and recruiting a successor now that Raya’s long-term future is secured.
After being dropped after just four games of the previous season, the England international is unlikely to be happy to play second fiddle to Raya again the following season.
Newcastle had shown interest in signing the 26-year-old at the start of the summer but have been put off by Arsenal’s valuation.
Despite Ramsdale remaining in a state of limbo, the Gunners have already begun to identify potential replacements for a player who had exceeded expectations after joining from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021.
According to The Athletic, Garcia has emerged as a potential option to fill the No.2 role behind his compatriot.
The 23-year-old made 14 appearances last season for Espanyol and is reported to have a £21m release clause in his contract.
Garcia is due to represent Spain at the upcoming Olympics and Arsenal believe he possesses many of the attributes required to thrive under Arteta.
The Gunners have also been linked with moves for a string of potential new keepers including Monza’s Michele Di Gregorio, Brighton’s Jason Steele and Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow.
Intriguingly, Arteta is said to have registered an interest in his former Arsenal teammate Wojciech Szczesny.
The experienced Poland international fits the homegrown criteria Arsenal are seeking as a priority in any potential Ramsdale successor.
Szczesny has just one year remaining on his current Juventus contract and the Italian giants are likely to sell a goalkeeper this summer as they work on a deal to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Monza.
The 34-year-old, who made well over a 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal earlier in his career, currently earns £100,000-a-week and those wages could prove prohibitive.
MORE : Manchester United target Joao Palhinha would improve Bayern Munich, says Roberto Martinez
MORE : Jens Lehmann gives two reasons why Spain will lose to Germany at Euro 2024
MORE : England Euro 2024 star wants transfer after having ‘head turned’ by Liverpool
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
Enter your email
Sign up
Privacy Policy
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Comment