Arsenal enter race to sign £21m rated La Liga goalkeeper - Reports

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The Spaniard has a release clause of £21 million in his contract with the Catalan club.

Garcia, 23, has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. The Gunners have now also joined the race and, as per Relevo, the north London club's goalkeeping coach, Inaki Cana, is a big fan of Garcia.

Garcia made 21 appearances for Espanyol in 2023-24, keeping 12 clean sheets. He is expected to be the club's first-choice goalkeeper when they return to La Liga.

As for Arsenal, they already have David Raya in their ranks, hence, Garcia won't be the first-choice goalkeeper. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave in search of first-team football, meaning Garcia could be a good back-up.

As for now, the youngster is focused on appearing in the Paris Olympics with Spain. He is contracted with Espanyol until the end of the 2027-28 season and the club are not expected to accept anything lesser than his £21 million release clause.

Arsenal closer to extending Mikel Arteta's contract: Fabrizio Romano

Mikel Arteta has another year left in his Arsenal contract, however, the club are closing in on securing an extension for the Spaniard. Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the matter, writing in his Daily Briefing (via GiveMeSport):

"He has one year left on his contract, but it's a work in progress and there is confidence to get it done as Arteta wants to stay at Arsenal and they want to keep him."

Mikel Arteta took charge of the Gunners in December 2019 and has so far managed 231 games, winning 140, drawing 34, and losing 57. He has helped the club win the FA Cup once.

However, the Gunners' progress has been on display and the team has now finished second in the Premier League in back-to-back seasons. Arteta is looking to take another step further and help the club he once captained win the Premier League.

​