‘Good chance’: Spanish star backed to join Arsenal, club will accept offer without hesitation

Arsenal are likely to bolster multiple positions when the transfer window reopens this summer.

A marquee striker could be the main priority for the Gunners, while they could also focus on pursuing an elite defensive midfielder.

A backup goalkeeper is also a genuine possibility. AS claim Joan Garcia could be on his way to the Gunners this summer.

Arsenal made a late £16.5m offer for Garcia before last summer’s transfer deadline, but Espanyol were reluctant to negotiate.

With no time to land a suitable replacement, Espanyol were adamant that they wanted his £24.7m release clause in full to sell him.

Arsenal ended up signing Neto on loan from Bournemouth, but there is a ‘good chance’ that Garcia could join his compatriot David Raya later this year.

Garcia’s release clause will reduce to £20.6m on July 1, but it will once again increase to £24.7m for the final 15 days of the summer transfer window.

The clause value could be raised by another £5m if Garcia were to make his debut for Spain.

Arsenal were only prepared to pay £16.5m last year, and AS report Espanyol would accept the same offer ‘without hesitation’ for an early transfer.

Gunners in pole position to land Garcia

The Gunners had earmarked Garcia as the priority target to replace Aaron Ramsdale at the start of the campaign.

Ramsdale’s late departure to Southampton meant they had no room for negotiations with Espanyol for the 23-year-old.

Garcia has since enhanced his reputation in the Spanish top-flight. He has saved an impressive 72 percent of shots on target.

The Spanish ace has also grabbed attention with his passing, recoveries and ability to clear his lines when required.

He agreed personal terms with the Gunners last year. A deal could be straightforward if he is prepared to play backup initially.

With Garcia’s promising potential, he could displace Raya in the long run to become the first-choice keeper at Arsenal.

Stats from Sofascore.com