Arsenal are still open to strengthening their goalkeeping department with the acquisition of a young, promising No.2 that can help provide healthy competition for David Raya with loanee Neto not currently expected to seal a permanent transfer
Arsenal are broadening their search of the goalkeeper market as they prepare to sign cover and competition for David Raya next summer.
Espanyol’s Joan Garcia remains the Gunners’ primary target but the La Liga club have remained insistent that his £25million release clause must be triggered in order to strike a deal.
Additionally, that figure could also yet reportedly rise between now and the summer transfer window if Garcia is called up to the Spain national team due to a mechanism written into his current contract.
Arsenal launched two unsuccessful bids for the 23-year-old in late August in the aftermath of Aaron Ramsdale’s summer switch to Southampton but contact between the parties has since gone cold.
Still, Garcia, who is keen on the move, remains highly appreciated and the club’s interest has been driven by goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana as he believes the Espanyol shot-stopper would be the perfect heir to Raya’s throne.
Bournemouth’s Neto was instead signed on loan as Ramsdale’s replacement on transfer deadline day, however, the Brazilian veteran is not currently expected to make a permanent move to north London at the end of the season – although that could change if sourcing another goalkeeper proves too complex.
Arsenal are keeping their options open at this moment in time and Boca Juniors starlet Leandro Brey has recently been the subject of initial scouting checks.
Lazio, Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also believed to be monitoring his development and Boca president Juan Roman Riquelme is expected to hold talks with several European clubs over a sale in the coming months as he bids to negotiate the best deal possible for the Argentine giants.
Brey’s Boca contract is said to include a release clause worth in the region of £12m according to sources in South America.
Arsenal also have to factor in the tightening of PSR rules and if they’re to splash excessive cash on new marquee signings in attack and midfield either in January (unlikely) or in the summer, they will want to protect their finances.
Therefore, spending a significant fee on a backup goalkeeper that in theory, is only expected to play in domestic cup competitions, might not be viable long-term. Garcia’s signature will come at a premium and as he continues to perform and excel in La Liga, Espanyol are unlikely to soften their firm transfer stance regarding a sale.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to 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.