‘Sounded out’: Man Utd are now planning to beat Arsenal to sign 23yo Spanish star – report | OneFootball

Manchester United could go head-to-head with Premier League rivals Arsenal to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, according to Sport.

The Red Devils have had a poor Premier League campaign, and they have not been helped by Andre Onana, who has been unconvincing in goal over recent months.

The Cameroonian star has made plenty of high-profile errors. He had a couple of forgettable moments in the 3-2 league triumph over Ipswich Town on Wednesday.

Altay Bayindir has shown promise as a deputy, but Sport report that the Red Devils have emerged as fresh contenders to sign Espanyol’s Garcia at the end of the season.

The publication claim that Barcelona are also interested in the 23-year-old, but Espanyol have no plans of negotiating with their Catalan rivals regarding a summer transfer.

Espanyol will demand the Blaugrana to pay his £24.7 million release clause in full. Hansi Flick’s side may struggle to do so, considering the financial restrictions set by La Liga.

Hence, Garcia is more likely to end up in the Premier League. Arsenal have a ‘certain advantage’ having been in contact with the goalkeeper’s entourage for the past year.

However, nothing has been decided yet. United have joined the Gunners in the pursuit and have ‘sounded out’ the possibility of landing his signature at the end of the season.

Garcia could be United’s future number one

The 23-year-old has made immense progress over the past 12 months at Espanyol. He started as a backup goalkeeper but was promoted during the backend of last season.

Garcia played an instrumental role in the club’s promotion from La Liga 2. Espanyol are presently four points clear of the drop zone, and the Spaniard has played a huge part.

He has made almost four saves per game with a success rate of 72 percent. The shot-stopper has also excelled with his recoveries, positioning and ability to clear his lines when required.

Garcia has quickly become one of the most sought-after young goalkeepers. Arsenal see him as a deputy to David Raya, but United could persuade him to join them with regular playing time.

Onana has looked a shadow of himself this campaign. The United hierarchy should cut their losses on the former Ajax man and guarantee Garcia a starting role in the Premier League.

That way, they would have an upper hand over the Gunners in securing his services.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .