Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation was one of the most talked-about topics this summer. Major changes were expected, but it only happened in the final week of the summer transfer window.
Aaron Ramsdale was the club’s first-choice keeper for two seasons before David Raya arrived on loan from English outfit Brentford last year.
Many predicted him to act as a second fiddle to Ramsdale, but the Spanish keeper became Mikel Arteta’s number one choice last season. He was signed on a permanent basis, and the exit doors were wide open for their former No. 1. The 26-year-old signed for Southampton for a total package of £25 million as Arsenal got back to business and were actively hunting a backup option in front of the nets.
Arsenal were Desperate to sign Espanyol star Joan Garcia
Out of all the names being linked with the club, Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia’s transfer was absolutely meant to happen. The Gunners agreed to a deal way back in June, and there were no issues from the player’s side.
However, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Espanyol decided to reject two offers from the North London outfit. The 23-year-old was a key part of their project and a player they can’t afford to lose.
“The player they wanted for the goal was a new goalkeeper, Joan Garcia. He was the player they really, really wanted. Since June, they had an agreement in place with the goalkeeper of the Spanish under-21 national team.”
“He was a fantastic part of the Espanyol project. He is a crucial part of the Espanyol project, and because of this he’s untouchable in this moment. So Espanyol, with two proposals from Arsenal on the deadline, decided to reject them.”
Why Espanyol wanted to halt Arsenal’s transfer chase?
The Spanish club wanted to keep hold of their star player and were doing everything in their power to delay the transfer to the point that it just couldn’t happen.
The Periquitos’ CEO Mao Ye never pushed to sell Garcia, and even sporting director Fran Garagarza admitted that it was not an easy task to handle the situation.
They knew that the 23-year-old will have more options when next summer rolls around. The Spanish U21 International kept eight clean sheets in 14 Segunda Division games.
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After helping them achieve promotion to the La Liga, he is now expected to play a major role in safeguarding the team’s status in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Meanwhile, Arsenal signed Neto from Bournemouth on a loan agreement after missing out on the young shotstopper. The Gunners’ goalkeeping coach, Inaki Cana, is still a fan of Garcia, and he might urge the club to target him next summer.
