Arsenal steal march on Euro giants after submitting £21m offer to sign 6ft 2in star – report

Arsenal are ‘in pole place’ to signal highly-rated Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer time, in response to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.

Garcia has been a key a part of Espanyol’s first workforce since coming by way of the ranks on the well-known Espanyol Cantera academy. He performed a major function within the workforce’s promotion from the Segunda division to LaLiga’s prime flight and has turn into one of many standout goalkeepers within the league.

This season, he holds the document for essentially the most saves within the league, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Arsenal again within the race for his signature.

As per Cadena SER, Arsenal are actually in ‘pole place’ to finish a swoop for the Spain U21 worldwide this summer time after making an unsuccessful try and deliver him to the Emirates final summer time.

Citing Santi Ovalle, the report provides {that a} little bit of complexity might emerge within the deal as David Raya is Mikel Arteta’s present first-choice goalkeeper, elevating doubts over whether or not Garcia can be prepared to play second-fiddle to the previous Brentford shot-stopper.

Arsenal eye Joan Garcia transfer

That is the place Barcelona, who’ve earmarked the goalkeeper as their first-choice sooner or later, might have the sting, because the report provides that the Catalan giants have been working behind the scenes in current weeks to observe the participant’s scenario and are prepared to make a swoop if a chance emerges.

Nonetheless, the Gunners have reportedly made a €25m (£21m) provide, which might probably rise by an additional €5 (£4m) if the 23-year-old is named as much as the Spanish nationwide workforce, as per the report.

Garcia has arguably been the most effective goalkeeper in LaLiga this season, and his shot-stopping skills have performed a key half in conserving Espanyol secure from relegation.

The Spaniard additionally possesses environment friendly ball-playing skill. He precisely threads lengthy and brief passes throughout buildup regardless of being underneath strain from opponents.

Whereas Garcia is thought to be a future prospect, the 6ft 2in star is also a long-term answer in aim for the Gunners, probably guarding the online for the subsequent decade.

With the Spain U21 star rejecting a possible second-choice function, it’ll be fascinating to see what Arsenal’s plans are to beat Barcelona to signal the teen this summer time.