Arsenal transfer blow as target’s club “would prefer to sell to Real Madrid”

Arsenal is expected to acquire a new goalkeeper in the upcoming summer transfer window, as Neto is anticipated to return to Bournemouth following the conclusion of his loan period. The club aims to find a replacement for the Brazilian, targeting a player they pursued last summer before opting for a loan arrangement with their Premier League counterparts.

In 2024, Arsenal attempted to secure the signing of Joan Garcia but was unsuccessful. A definitive approach for the 23-year-old was only made after the sale of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton. However, by that time, Espanyol had made it clear that they would only consider a sale if his €30 million release clause was activated, a condition that Arsenal chose not to meet.

Despite this challenge, Arsenal remains optimistic about acquiring Garcia for the Emirates. Recent reports indicate that they are the frontrunners to sign him in this summer’s transfer window, although the process is expected to be complex.

Arsenal face strong competition for Joan Garcia

According to journalist Eduardo Inda on the program El Chiringuito de Jugones (as reported by Fichajes), Espanyol is inclined to transfer Garcia to Real Madrid. Although Barcelona has expressed interest in the goalkeeper, they are reluctant to sell to their fierce rivals.

“Joan García appears to be one of the standout talents in La Liga. He is an exceptional goalkeeper with a reasonable release clause of €30 million, which would decrease to €15 million if Espanyol faces relegation. Espanyol is aware of Barcelona’s pursuit of the Catalan goalkeeper and has indicated to Real Madrid their preference to sell him to them rather than to Barcelona.”

Reports from Spain suggest that Garcia aims to secure a starting position at his next club, which could pose a challenge for Arsenal, as they would be acquiring him to serve as a backup to David Raya, who has been among the top goalkeepers in the Premier League for the past 18 months. This situation also complicates matters for Real Madrid, who currently have Thibaut Courtois.