Arsenal transfer Joan Garcia has given his verdict on the transfer interest in him as Gunners star Bukayo Saka continues his recovery from injury ahead of the clash with Fulham
Mikel Arteta still has time to prepare his Arsenal side for their return to Premier League action after his stars ended their international exploits. A weekend of FA Cup action sees the Gunners with time to settle back in to the Spaniard’s ways ahead of a clash with Fulham.
The north London side will hope to quickly find some rhythm as they attempt to earn some success and approach a Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid in little over a week. Already, they have been handed a boost on that quest.
Bukayo Saka has returned to Arsenal training and already there is talk of his inclusion among the substitutes against the Cottagers on Tuesday. That will certainly send a feel-good factor around the club ahead of the final stretch of the season.
Mirror Football takes a look at the news and rumours surrounding the Emirates.
READ MORE: Ian Wright reveals striker who could help Arsenal now has already made contactREAD MORE: Why are there no Premier League matches being played this weekend?
Arsenal target speaks out
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is ready to welcome the good things that come his way, as he continues to garner interest from around Europea. The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid have all been linked with the shotstopper, who has a release clause of €25million (£20.8m), which will rise to €30m (£25m) in the last 15 days of the transfer window.
The 23-year-old is taking the interest in his stride however. “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.”
Arsenal saw two offers rejected for Garcia last summer, and the goalkeeper’s release clause will drop to €15m (£12.5m) if Espanyol are relegated this term. Reports in Spain suggest the Gunners’ offer was firm at that time, and they are current ahead in the race for his signature.
Arteta’s new problem
Former Premier League winger Stewart Downing believes Arteta is faced with a new problem amid Bukayo Saka’s return. The ex-Liverpool and Middlesbrough ace believes teenage star Ethan Nwaneri has proven himself worth of challenging Arsenal’s talisman and the Spaniard may have trouble accomodating both players.
“Nwaneri is actually at a point now where you’re thinking ‘he could actually push Saka for a starting place’,” he said.
“I’m sure he can play in a number of positions, but Saka must be watching him and thinking ‘I’m going to have to be on my toes here’. For a few years now, that position out on the right has very much been his, but Nwaneri has come in and made it his own, really.
READ MORE: UEFA open investigation into FOUR Real Madrid players ahead of Arsenal clashREAD MORE: Arsenal and Liverpool may face transfer battle after Alexander Isak discovery
“You know, and you look at the goals he’s scoring, he’s so similar to Saka. He’s a proper Premier League player already, and he’s just turned 18.
“The problem Mikel is going to have will be ‘where do I fit him in?’ And look, it’s not a bad problem to have!”
Arsenal eye transfer
Blackburn Rovers have proven themselves a breeding ground for some of the nation’s most exciting talent to earn Premier League moves. Ashley Phillips and Adam Wharton are among prospects to have made the step up and reports suggest Arsenal are after the next.
The north London side are planning a move for 16-year-old striker Harvey Higgins. Arsenal are said to be in the ‘driving seat’ to secure the under-16 youth international ahead of the Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
