Arsenal goalkeeper transfer target comments on potential summer move

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has commented on a potential transfer this summer, with Arsenal among the clubs interested in acquiring his services.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the Spaniard at the end of the previous summer transfer window, but the club weren't willing to match Espanyol's reported €25m asking price.

It was a messy conclusion to the window on the goalkeeping front, with former sporting director Edu Gaspar opting for Bournemouth's Neto as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who sought regular first-team football after losing his place to David Raya, and joined Southampton.

Neto, however, only joined the club on loan and has made just a single appearance for the Gunners. He hardly covered himself in glory when he started between the sticks for Arsenal's final game of the Champions League league phase against Girona.

Joan Garcia remains coy over future amid Arsenal interest

While only five goalkeepers have conceded more in La Liga this season, Garcia is a big reason why Espanyol currently aren't residing in the bottom three. He's been the best-performing goalkeeper from a shot-stopping perspective in the division, as he boasts a +8.3 post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed differential - essentially the number of goals he's prevented. The next best figure in the league is +4.3.

Combine his excellent shot-stopping prowess with an impressive ability to claim the high ball, not to mention the comfort he has when the ball's at his feet, and it's no surprise that Arsenal hold an interest. This is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world.

He's bound to move on from Espanyol, and Garcia himself recently discusses his future - and the move to Arsenal last summer which never transpired - when speaking to the Associated Press (via Chris Wheatley): "There was a lot of interest last summer, especially from Arsenal.

"But I stayed here and since then I've been 100% focused on this season. We all know mine and the club's situation, and anything can happen. But the future will tell."

If Arsenal remain intent on bringing Garcia in this summer, it looks like they'll face competition from Aston Villa and Real Madrid for his signature. David Raya's development into one of the world's best goalkeepers means the young goalkeeper's chances will be limited should he join the Gunners, but the north Londoners should push hard to bring the Spaniard in.

There wouldn't be a better back-up goalkeeper on the planet.

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