Report: Arsenal return for long-term target with price now slashed | OneFootball

Arsenal Lead Chase for Joan Garcia in Cut-Price Deal

Espanyol’s Financial Needs Open Transfer Door

As the summer window nears, Arsenal find themselves once again circling a familiar target. Joan Garcia, Espanyol’s promising goalkeeper, is back on the club’s radar — this time with a deal that feels significantly more attainable. According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are in ‘pole position’ to land the 23-year-old Spaniard, and the cost could be half of what they originally offered just a year ago.

Twelve months ago, Espanyol refused a £17million offer, holding firm on a valuation of £25million. But football’s landscape is shaped as much by financial urgency as it is by ambition. Espanyol’s need to balance the books before the end of the financial year (June 30) has left the door ajar for Arsenal to swoop in with a £12.6million deal — a substantial discount for a player with top-flight credentials.

This isn’t just about plugging a squad hole. “Garcia won’t just be a backup, but will be a ‘challenger to David Raya’,” the report reveals — a clear sign that Mikel Arteta sees something far more enduring in the Espanyol shot-stopper.

Goalkeeper Rotation Reflects Tactical Evolution

Arsenal’s recent approach to the goalkeeping position has been unorthodox. Since 2021, they’ve signed and sold Aaron Ramsdale, brought in David Raya, and temporarily leaned on Bournemouth’s Neto. The club’s willingness to move goalkeepers in and out hints at Arteta’s tactical demands: comfort in possession, alert distribution, and the ability to play under pressure.

Garcia, who has notched seven clean sheets this season, fits that profile. With Espanyol likely resigned to his departure, the decision for Arsenal now hinges on timing. If they act before June 30, the cost is just £12.6million. Wait too long, and the fee could rise to £25million — and potentially invite rival interest.

Arteta’s Planning Shows Long-Term Thinking

This isn’t a reactive move. TEAMtalk have consistently reported Arsenal’s interest in Garcia, and the Spaniard was originally pencilled in as Raya’s deputy last summer. That long-standing pursuit reflects a strategic vision: two goalkeepers not just to compete but to elevate standards across the squad.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s rare to see such competition for the No.1 jersey in English football. Yet Arteta has embraced it, trusting that challenge will breed excellence. Garcia’s potential arrival will maintain that standard, and for a fee that feels closer to shrewd business than splashing cash.

Garcia Move Reinforces Arsenal’s Smart Market Play

Amid spiralling fees and Financial Fair Play caution, Arsenal have found success operating smartly. A £12.6million move for a LaLiga-tested keeper with years ahead of him feels like textbook efficiency. Espanyol’s loss may yet be Arsenal’s gain — if Edu and Arteta act quickly.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this has all the makings of a quietly brilliant move. Garcia is young, technically capable, and already being treated as more than a backup — exactly the type of signing that has defined Arteta’s tenure. Getting him for £12.6million would be a steal, especially in a market where £20million barely buys promise, let alone experience.

What stands out is the plan. Arteta’s known for meticulous preparation, and the fact Garcia was first targeted last summer shows this isn’t a reaction to Ramsdale’s sale or Raya’s occasional wobbles. It’s succession planning — done the Arsenal way.

There’s also pride in watching the club operate with financial intelligence. In years past, Arsenal may have overspent or waited too long. Now, they’re leveraging timing, opportunity, and data. Garcia could very well be a long-term No.1 — and that’s exciting.

The only concern? How Raya reacts. Having two starters can create tension, but if managed properly, it can push both to higher levels. And for Arsenal fans dreaming of silverware, that’s the level of depth and internal competition that can make all the difference.