Arsenal have reportedly identified Joan Garcia as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale should the English goalkeeper leave the club this summer. The 23-year-old Spaniard, currently playing for RCD Espanyol in the Segunda Division, has caught the eye with his impressive performances. After breaking into Espanyol’s first team, Garcia has established himself as a reliable starting goalkeeper.
Garcia’s journey began in the youth setups of CF Damm and CE Manresa before joining Espanyol in 2016. He made his first-team debut in December 2021, starting in a 3-2 Copa del Rey victory over SD Solares-Medio Cudeyo. His La Liga debut came in January 2022 in a 1-2 home defeat to Elche CF, which was his sole top-flight appearance as Espanyol faced relegation that season.
The 2023/24 season saw Garcia start on the bench but later promoted to the main keeper role. In 14 appearances, he conceded only seven goals and kept eight clean sheets, playing a crucial role in Espanyol’s successful promotion via the playoffs.
Garcia’s statistics underscore his potential. His save percentage of 82.5% places him in the 99th percentile compared to other goalkeepers in similar leagues. He is dominant in the box and proficient as a sweeper keeper, with his crosses stopped percentage and defensive actions outside the penalty area per 90 minutes ranking him in the 99th and 81st percentiles, respectively.
One area for improvement is his passing, an essential trait for Mikel Arteta’s possession-oriented system. Although Garcia has yet to impress with his on-ball abilities, his young age suggests plenty of time to develop this aspect of his game.
With David Raya’s recent permanent transfer to Arsenal, Garcia is unlikely to join unless Ramsdale departs. While Ramsdale was previously linked with Newcastle, those rumors have diminished. However, Garcia would be a strong deputy for Raya if signed, potentially available for his £21 million release clause. Real Madrid and a host of other Premier League clubs will rival the Gunners for his signature. Justin Bijlow from Feyenoord also remains on Arsenal’s radar.
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