Real Madrid keeping tabs on Spanish goalkeeper amid interest from Arsenal in Andriy Lunin: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who could replace Arsenal target Andriy Lunin. The Catalan shot-stopper became the Perquitos' starting goalkeeper in the second half of the 2023-24 Segunda Division season.
Diario AS reports that Los Blancos are keeping an eye on Garcia. He only signed a new long-term deal at Stage Front Stadium in November, which expires in June 2028. He appeared 18 times across competitions last season, keeping 10 clean sheets.
Garcia, 23, helped Espanyol finish fourth in La Liga2, booking their place in the Promotion play-offs. He took the No.1 jersey from an injured Fernando Pacheco and kept it after his teammate returned from the sidelines. He's represented Spain at the U19 and U21 levels and has a release clause that will rise above €20 million if his club are promoted.
Real Madrid's interest in Garcia comes amid speculation over Lunin's future at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Ukrainian goalkeeper majorly impressed last season while Thibaut Courtois was out of action with an ACL injury.
Lunin, 25, made 31 appearances across competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets. He won a battle with loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga to become Carlo Ancelotti's starting shot-stopper with Courtois injured.
COPE journalist Miguel Angel Diaz reports that Arsenal are interested in signing Lunin. He has a year left on his contract, and the Gunners could swoop with question marks over Aaron Ramsdale's future.
How much will Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin cost Arsenal?
Lunin is seemingly on Arsenal's radar, and they could secure a cut-price deal, given his contract expires in June 2025. The 12-cap Ukraine international was praised by Ancelotti throughout last season but might not want to play second fiddle to Courtois.
The Gunners could reportedly spend around €20 million to bring Lunin to the Emirates. If Ramsdale departs as expected, they could swoop for the former Zorya Lugansk goalkeeper.
At the backend of last season, Lunin was displaced by Courtois and sat on the bench during the UEFA Champions League final. Ancelotti's men won 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund, and the Belgian was at his typical best.
Lunin had heroically helped Los Merengues on their path to Wembley. This includes two saves in a 5-4 penalty shootout (4-4 aggregate) win against previous holders Manchester City.
The Ukrainian has been at the Bernabeu since July 2018 and has made 48 appearances, keeping 16 clean sheets. He could be one to watch in the summer transfer window.