Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth are among several clubs in the picture to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.
On Wednesday, AS reported the Gunners are stepping up their pursuit of the 24-year-old. They also stated Bournemouth and other clubs are eyeing him for the summer window.
Thursday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo points out claims made elsewhere that Arsenal are ahead of Bournemouth and other clubs in the transfer race.
Mundo then mention the stopper courted by clubs from England, Spain and Germany, ‘has negotiated’ with Mikel Arteta’s side.
He has a €25m release clause which will rise to €30m for last 15 days of the window. The report claims Espanyol could be willing to sell the player for a minimum fee of €15m as that is the figure they need to balance their books before June 30th. This is unlikely considering there are multiple clubs eyeing a move for the Spaniard.
Over at Sport, they state Barcelona have the goalkeeper high in their target list. They could consider signing him if Wojciech Szczęsny doesn’t continue at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona won’t find it easy to sign García as the newspaper claims he has offers from Arsenal and Bournemouth on the table. In addition to the Premier League duo, Atlético Madrid, Aston Villa, and Real Madrid have also expressed their interest.
His release clause will be dropped to €15m if Espanyol [currently 16th, five points above the danger zone] are relegated. The interested parties can sign García by activating his clause or offering a fee close to €25m.
Sport claim García is unlikely to settle for a backup role and could prioritise a club that can let him continue his development. David Raya and Marc-André ter Stegen are likely to be the first choice at Arsenal and Barca respectively next season.
Bournemouth’s No.1 this season is Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, and his exit can allow García to be their first-choice next season.
