Arsenal pushed ‘until the end’ for signing – Fans feared losing player in Gunners war

Joan Garcia was an Arsenal target for much of the summer transfer window.

The Espanyol goalkeeper had an initial €25m release clause in his contract which increased to €30m as the months went on, and the figures were just too high for the Gunners to sign the 23-year-old.

Mundo Deportivo have now reported that Arsenal pushed ‘until the end’ to sign the keeper. Despite that, Espanyol never moved from the €30m clause, keeping their words after earlier insisting it was the full amount or nothing.

Espanyol’s promotion to the Spanish top flight was a reason for the increase in the clause, and also a reason for sticking to it. Garcia could be the difference between staying in La Liga or going back down this season.

The Catalan club’s fans had hoped for his stay all summer, worrying until the very end of the transfer window, because he was vital for Espanyol last season and will be again this campaign.

Certainly a player to keep an eye on in La Liga in the coming months, because he may be busy.