Over the past two months or so, the Spanish media have regularly named Arsenal as one of the contenders to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García this summer.
Recent claims have stated the Gunners have reached an agreement with the 23-year-old. Earlier this week, AS reported Arsenal are knocking on his door, while the La Liga side want to retain him.
The stopper starred towards the end of last season and was vital in helping his side return to La Liga. He kept eight clean sheets and conceded seven goals from 14 league games last season.
This helped García attract interest from a few clubs, including Mikel Arteta’s side. Today’s edition of AS claims Arsenal are ‘threatening’ to take the player away from Espanyol.
García was part of the Spain squad that won gold at the Olympics. Espanyol will host their first home fixture of this season against Real Sociedad later today.
Prior to the clash, there’ll be a tribute to the goalkeeper for his success in Paris. AS claim the Espanyol supporters ‘will ask him not to leave’ amid the threat of Arsenal snatching the star.
Espanyol have already lost Martin Braithwaite [last season’s top scorer] and losing García will be a ‘big blow’ for them.
Earlier claims have stated his release clause has been raised to €30m from August 15th.
It’s probable the actual fee would be less for Arsenal, but they are only likely to sign García if Aaron Ramsdale were to leave the Emirates. AS haven’t taken this into account.
