Bayer Leverkusen very interested in signing 23yo Arsenal target this summer
Bayer Leverkusen are very interested in signing Arsenal target Joan Garcia this summer, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (page 13).
The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the talented goalkeeper. The club failed with a late £16.5 million bid to sign him from Espanyol last summer.
Espanyol had no time to pursue a quality replacement before the deadline. The La Liga outfit refused to sell him unless his £24.7m release clause was activated.
Mikel Arteta’s side are prepared to return for the 23-year-old at the end of the season.
Garcia’s release clause will be reduced to £20.6m on July 1, and it has been reported that Espanyol could sell him to Arsenal for £16.5m without hesitation.
However, Mundo Deportivo bring a fresh twist to the story by claiming that Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen are ‘very interested’ in securing the Spaniard’s services.
Lukas Hradecky, 35, will enter the last year of his contract this summer. Leverkusen could guarantee Garcia regular minutes from the starting XI. Matej Kovar is not considered as a future number one.
This could represent a blow for the Gunners, considering David Raya is an undisputed starter, and Garcia may not displace his compatriot for the next few seasons.
Leverkusen’s interest in Garcia is bad news for Arsenal
The Gunners verbally agreed on personal terms with Garcia last summer. The 23-year-old gave the green light to join the London giants before the transfer deadline.
However, the late departure of Aaron Ramsdale meant they had no time to convince Espanyol. The newly-promoted outfit did not want to negotiate on the transfer fee.
Arsenal recruited Neto on loan from Bournemouth to compensate for the setback, but it has been reported that the Gunners will return for Garcia this summer.
The Olympic Gold medalist has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in La Liga. He has saved 72 percent of his shots this campaign with an average of almost 18 passes.
Garcia has also impressed with his long balls, recoveries and ability to clear his lines. Arsenal have been in contact with his entourage for the past year, but Leverkusen could dent their pursuit.
If the German giants can guarantee Garcia a starting role at some point next season, there is a high possibility that he would choose them over playing back-up to Raya at Arsenal.
Stats from Sofascore.com
