Arsenal’s attempts to secure the services of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia during the summer transfer window ultimately ended in disappointment, as the Gunners were unable to meet Espanyol’s demands.
Despite Arsenal’s sustained interest and offers, Espanyol stood their ground, leading to Arsenal shifting their focus elsewhere in the final days of the transfer window.
BORDEAUX, FRANCE: Joan Garcia of Team Spain warms up prior to the Men’s group C match between Dominican Republic and Spain during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on July 27, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Joan Garcia’s transformation from a backup goalkeeper to one of Espanyol’s key players over the last six months has been remarkable.
His breakthrough came on March 3, 2024, when he stepped in for the injured Fernando Pacheco during Espanyol’s 0-0 draw against Huesca.
From that point on, Garcia became an undisputed starter, impressing with his performances and helping his team secure promotion to La Liga.
His commanding displays also earned him a place in Spain’s U21 squad and an Olympic gold medal.
Garcia’s rapid rise didn’t go unnoticed, with several top European clubs expressing interest in the 23-year-old.
Arsenal were among the keenest suitors, seeing Garcia as a long-term solution between the posts and were determined to sign him in the summer.
However, Espanyol were even more determined to retain their prized asset, making it clear they would only consider offers that met the goalkeeper’s €30 million release clause.
Arsenal’s pursuit falls short
Joan Garcia playing for Espanyol (Photo via Garcia on Instagram)
Arsenal’s interest in Joan Garcia was serious.
After an initial bid was rejected, the North London club made an improved offer of €20 million plus add-ons, hoping to tempt Espanyol into negotiations.
However, Espanyol’s stance was unwavering. According to Mundo Deportivo in the Wednesday edition of their sports paper, the club had anticipated interest in Garcia and had pre-emptively shielded him with a new contract running until 2028. This contract included a significant release clause, which increased after Espanyol’s promotion to La Liga.
Despite Arsenal’s persistent efforts, Espanyol refused to budge from their €30 million valuation. The club’s sporting director, Garagarza, made it clear that Garcia was seen not only as a top goalkeeper but as a crucial part of the club’s future.
“We are facing a great goalkeeper but a great person, who is far above the goalkeeper. His behaviour, his knowing how to be, his attunement and his tone of voice, for me is 10,” Garagarza said.
With time running out in the transfer window, Arsenal were forced to abandon their pursuit of Garcia, acknowledging that Espanyol’s demands could not be met.
Arsenal’s alternatives
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: Dan Bentley of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at London Stadium on December 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Following their failure to land Garcia, Arsenal turned to other options to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks. They were also linked with Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley, but Wolves were unwilling to let Bentley leave without sufficient time to find a replacement.
In the end, Arsenal secured a season-long loan deal for 35-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Neto from Bournemouth.
Neto signs for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Neto, a seasoned shot-stopper with experience at top clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, and Valencia, was seen as a reliable backup for Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya.
However, Neto’s signing came with limitations. Due to his participation with Bournemouth in the League Cup, he is cup-tied and unable to feature in that competition for Arsenal.
Neto after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
While Neto’s loan provides short-term cover, Arsenal’s inability to sign Joan Garcia represents a missed opportunity to secure a younger, long-term option for the club’s goalkeeping future.
Garcia’s continued rise at Espanyol, coupled with Arsenal’s failed pursuit, highlights the growing value of the Spanish shot-stopper in European football.
Espanyol’s insistence on Garcia’s €30 million release clause proved too much for Arsenal, and with the transfer window now closed, Arsenal must wait before considering another approach for the talented goalkeeper.
Arsenal may yet return for Garcia in future windows, but for now, Espanyol have successfully held on to their star player, and Arsenal’s search for long-term reinforcements will continue.
