In recent weeks, there have been many doubts generated about Andriy Lunin’s continuity at Real Madrid. The Ukrainian goalkeeper has admitted that he is happy at the club, but given that he will be reduced to a substitute for next season, he may opt to leave for a starting spot elsewhere – Los Blancos would be forced to comply, as Lunin’s contract ends in 2025.
The expectation is that Kepa Arrizabalaga will be re-signed by Real Madrid if Lunin leaves, but that may not be the case. According to COPE’s Javier de Haro, the Chelsea ‘keeper is ruled out for now due to economic reasons. Instead, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia has emerged as a leading candidate.
Garcia is off the back of an excellent season with Espanyol, and he played a major role in their promotion to La Liga via the play-offs. Arsenal are also credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, as are Girona.
Garcia would be a shrewd signing for Real Madrid, but he would be expensive for a backup ‘keeper (although he would be a long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois). Espanyol have no plans to negotiate with any clubs, meaning that a sale will only happen if his €25m release clause is activated.
