The Gunners reinforced the squad by signing Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino this summer. Moreover, Raheem Sterling also joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
Additionally, following Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton, Mikel Arteta’s side also attempted to sign a new goalkeeper with Garcia emerging as the primary target.
Arsenal even agreed on personal terms with him and submitted a formal proposal to secure his signature. But, Espanyol eventually decided to keep hold of him as the Gunners’ proposal was short of the player’s £25m release clause – which was the fee the Catalan side were demanding to let him leave.
After failing to secure the Spaniard’s signature, the North London club decided to shift their focus to alternative options and eventually signed Neto from Bournemouth. However, the Brazilian has joined the club on a loan deal and is expected to return to Vitality Stadium next year.
Garcia to Arsenal
Now, Caught Offside states that Arsenal would be looking to sign a new goalkeeper in January or next summer and are still interested in Garcia. Arteta’s side have been keeping a close eye on his development and the 23-year-old has enjoyed a promising start to this season.
Moreover, the report says that Arsenal have a very good relationship with the player and his agent having agreed on personal terms this summer. So, this could play a key role for the Emirates club in finally luring him to the Emirates Stadium next year.
Garcia has started all six La Liga games for Espanyol this term and his saving percentage is 75%. He played a key role in helping his side come away with a point away against Atletico Madrid, making seven saves in that encounter and keeping a clean-sheet.
Moreover, he was excellent against Real Madrid last weekend and made 10 saves. The youngster even played a great pass that led to a goal – which gave the Catalan side a lead at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, though Los Blancos eventually won the game 4-1.
Garcia is a highly talented player and would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal with a view to the long-term future if they purchase him.
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