Arsenal and Real Madrid handed key transfer boost after two bids rejected

Arsenal have received a boost in their bid to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as the La Liga side turn their attention to the Spaniard’s replacement after accepting his exit

Arsenal have received a boost in their bid to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia as Espanyol identify a replacement for their current No.1. The La Liga side are eyeing a deal for Mallorca ace Leo Roman, per reports in Spain.

Roman has been Mallorca’s back-up option this term but produced an impressive 12-save display in defeat to Barcelona earlier this week. Espanyol have turned their attention to the market after accepting Garcia is set to leave come the summer.

The out-of-favour Roman has cited his displeasure at his situation. “I’m not getting enough chances,” he said.

“Today it has been possible to see that my situation is not the one it was supposed to be. I’m not saying it for my teammate, but for the management of the club.”

Roman is under contract at Mallorca until 2026 with the Balearic side set to cash in. Espanyol are interested in his €10m (£8.53m) release clause but could yet face competition from Valencia who need to replace Liverpool-bound Giorgi Mamardashvili.

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The 23-year-old Garcia meanwhile has a release clause of €25million (£20.8m), which will rise to €30m (£25m) in the last 15 days of the transfer window. Arsenal are among a number of suitors with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid having also been linked with the shotstopper.

Arsenal saw two offers rejected for Garcia last summer and the Gunners have previously been credited with leading the race for his signature. The goalkeeper’s release clause will drop to €15m (£12.5m) if Espanyol are relegated this term it is said.

The north London side could now face greater competition for Garcia’s signature however. Real Madrid are eyeing a move for the La Liga ace as they prepare for the future.

Thibaut Courtois’ age and injury issues have convinced club chiefs it is time to search for a replacement, Cope. Current secondary option Andriy Lunin is expected to seek an exit in search of playing time.

Garcia is said to be a ‘very interesting’ option in the event Lunin departs. The 23-year-old noted last month that he was taking all speculation in his stride.

“Everyone likes to be spoken well of, to be talked about in the national team, but I take it as a prize, not as an obligation,” he told Pizarritas, per Sport Witness.

“I continue on my way, working and with the objective of achieving permanence with Espanyol. After that, whatever good things come my way, I welcome them.”

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