Arsenal will not have to compete with Premier League rivals Manchester City for the summer transfer of Joan Garcia, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
As was the case last summer, the Gunners are being tipped to bolster their goalkeeping department by signing an ambitious back-up to David Raya.
RCD Espanyol stopper Garcia fit that briefing last summer but did not move in the end. In 2024/25 he has gone on to make 38 appearances, keeping eight clean sheets as his team dodged relegation from La Liga by two points.
The 24-year-old’s performances have stood out so much, though, that now if Arsenal were to attempt a deal, it is suggested they will be met by strong competition for the £20million-rated goalkeeper.
That will not be coming from the Etihad Stadium, it would seem, as City boss Guardiola paid compliment to his fellow Spaniard but hinted that he will stick with his current options in goal next season.
“Joan Garcia is a very good goalkeeper,” Guardiola told Spanish outlet SPORT. “City is interested in 500 players every transfer window.
“He’s an Espanyol player, and I don’t know what will happen. The players tell me he’s an extraordinary goalkeeper. The references we have are very good.
“I don’t know much about goalkeepers. I tell them to stop. We’ve talked about the situation of the squad, and the two goalkeepers we have will stay.”
As City slumped to a third-place finish behind Arsenal and Premier League winners Liverpool, there had been doubts hanging over Ederson and Stefan Ortega, both now into their thirties, at the Etihad Stadium.
Whilst this can count as a boost for the Gunners, they may still have to fend off Spanish giants Barcelona.
It was recently reported that they are nearing an agreement with their Catalan rivals for the transfer, though since then first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has clarified he intends to stay.
Before making a move for a goalkeeper, Arsenal wish to rectify their biggest issue by signing a striker. Martin Zubimendi is then reportedly on his way to bolster the midfield, then other areas will be looked at.
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
