Context:

Arsenal is on the verge of signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, beating out competitors like Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United. Mikel Arteta, backed by team management, is leading this initiative to strengthen Arsenal's squad for a Premier League title challenge despite the team ending another season without silverware. Joan Garcia, admired for his impressive performances in La Liga, has chosen Arsenal even though he will be a second-choice behind David Raya. The potential transfer fee for Garcia is £21 million, though it could rise to £25 million in the final days of the transfer window. Garcia's athletic prowess and capability in goal have been highlighted by football analysts, with his recent campaign yielding seven clean sheets and a save accuracy of 77.3% in 34 appearances.

Dive Deeper:

• Arsenal is eyeing a significant transfer shift this summer to support Mikel Arteta in assembling a competitive team for the Premier League, despite not securing any trophies this season.

• Joan Garcia, the 24-year-old Espanyol goalkeeper, has caught the attention of Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United due to his standout performances in La Liga.

• Reports indicate that Garcia has opted for Arsenal, aware that he would primarily be a backup to current goalkeeper David Raya at the Emirates Stadium.

• The potential transfer fee for Garcia is £21 million, but Arsenal must act quickly as his release clause will rise to £25 million in the last fortnight of the summer transfer window.

• Standing at 6-foot-3, Garcia has been praised for his athleticism and dominance in the penalty area, evident from his seven clean sheets and a 77.3% save rate this season.

• Football Analyst Ben Mattinson praised Garcia last August, noting his rapid rise and the attention he has garnered from scouts and analysts over the past two seasons.

• Arsenal's commitment to acquiring Garcia highlights their strategy to bolster their squad depth and quality, aiming for a more successful campaign in the upcoming season.

• Arsenal are expected to go through a massive transfer exodus this summer. The team management are backing Mikel Arteta to get his desired players and launch a fresh challenge for the Premier League crown. 

• The Gunners showed plenty of promise this season, but will end another season without any silverware. This term, they were exceptional in the Champions League but fell short against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal. 

• Arteta is a big admirer of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and they almost agreed terms with the Spaniard last season, but the move didn't materialize. However, this time, according to The Independent, the Gunners are close to securing his signature. 

• The North Londoners were impressed with the young custodian after his breakthrough La Liga campaign. But after the deal didn't go through, Garcia continued at Espanyol and enjoyed another excellent season. 

• Apart from Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa and even Newcastle United were also interested in signing the 24-year-old custodian. Ruben Amorim apparently is a big admirer of the Spaniard and wanted him to replace Andre Onana. 

• However, as per reports, Garcia has chosen Arsenal over the Red Devils despite knowing that he would be a second-choice goalkeeper at Emirates Stadium with David Raya already present at the club. 

• 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

• What's the situation with Joan Garcia's release clause?

  Garcia wouldn't be a major hole in Arsenal's pocket. If they act quickly, they may lure him away from Espanyol for as low as £21 million.

• However, his release clause increases to £25 million in the final 15 days of the summer transfer window as reported by SPORT. 

• 

  GettyImages