Arsenal interested in £21 million star who was a Tottenham target - Reports
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The Spaniard was also linked with their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners' preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign are nearly complete. They are looking to secure some key signings and aiming to improve last season's impressive second-place finish. With two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, Arsenal remain active in the market, looking to strengthen their squad further.
Mikel Arteta has already added Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori to his ranks. He featured for the club in their 2024-25 Premier League season opener on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17. The club are reportedly also working on an additional deal to sign Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino.
However, the Gunners aren't stopping still. According to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth (via TBR Football) the north London club have now turned their attention to a potential third signing. Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has emerged as a target.
The Spain Under-21 international has been on the Gunners' radar as they prepare for the possible departure of Aaron Ramsdale. Should the Englishman leave, Garcia would be brought in to compete for the backup goalkeeper role behind David Raya.
Interestingly, Garcia was previously linked with their north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Reports from earlier in the summer suggested that Spurs had made a tempting offer for the young goalkeeper. However, it now appears that Arsenal have taken the lead in the race to secure his signature. He is likely to cost around £21 million.
"With good players it’s like that" - Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka's match-winning goal for Arsenal
The Gunners had a winning start to the 2024-25 campaign, with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka leading Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over Wolves. They had a comfortable outing, controlling the proceedings right from the get-go at home.
The German forward opened the scoring in the 25th minute, and although Wolves packed a punch, Saka struck home the winner in the 74th minute. The English winger danced past a couple of defenders down the right flank before stabbing home a vicious effort.
Head coach Mikel Arteta lauded the 22-year-old's match-winning effort, saying in the post-match press conference (via Football.London):
"With good players, it’s like that. With Messi, I know he’s gonna come in and do that, but you can’t stop him."
The three points and a clean sheet could be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta's side. Next, they'll square off against Aston Villa on August 24, who started their season with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.