Arsenal has submitted an offer worth €20m (£16.8m) to Espanyol for goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The Spanish shot-stopper is Arsenal’s leading transfer target to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who is undergoing a medical at Premier League rivals Southampton ahead of a £25m transfer to the south coast.

Arsenal are understood to have agreed personal terms with Garcia’s representatives, having long-targeted the 23-year-old as a replacement for Ramsdale, who has been expected to leave the Emirates this summer.

However, Espanyol are set to demand that Garcia’s €30m release clause (£25.2m) is met in full.

Garcia is a 23-year-old goalkeeper who broke into the Espanyol side over the second half of last season. He made 14 appearances as the Catalan side won promotion from the Segunda Division and has started each of the club’s opening three fixtures of the 2024/25 La Liga campaign.

The 6ft 3in shot-stopper was part of the Spain squad that won gold at this summer’s Olympic football tournament in Paris, though did not make an appearance.

Arsenal’s Pursuit of Garcia

Arsenal’s pursuit of Garcia comes with Aaron Ramsdale closing in on a transfer to Southampton. The England international lost his place in the side to David Raya last season and is keen to move on in search of regular first-team football.

The 26-year-old will join the Saints in a deal worth around £25m including add-ons and will return to the south coast, having spent three seasons at Bournemouth between 2017 and 2020.

Ramsdale made 89 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners and was named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2022/23, having helped Mikel Arteta’s team to Champions League qualification.

Espanyol’s Stance

Espanyol are unlikely to accept a bid lower than Garcia's €30m release clause. The club is in a strong position to negotiate, as Garcia is a key player for them and they are not under any immediate pressure to sell. The Spanish press has emphasized that selling Garcia below his release clause would be seen as a defeat for Espanyol's management, particularly as they try to rebuild and secure their top-flight status.

Garcia’s Desire

Despite Espanyol’s stance, Garcia is reportedly keen on a move to Arsenal. He has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners, and he is seen as a good fit for Mikel Arteta’s system.

Negotiations Ahead

With Ramsdale’s move to Southampton nearing completion, Arsenal’s pursuit of Joan Garcia is expected to intensify. The Gunners are keen to secure a top-quality goalkeeper to replace Ramsdale, and Garcia fits the profile they are looking for.

However, negotiations with Espanyol could prove challenging, especially if the Spanish club demands the full release clause.

For now, Arsenal fans will have to wait and see whether Joan Garcia becomes the latest addition to Arteta’s squad.

Joan Garcia: The Future?

Two months ago, the prospect of Joan Garcia joining Arsenal seemed almost certain. While the deal has not yet materialised, Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton has reignited speculation.

As Arsenal prepares for life without Ramsdale, the pursuit of Joan Garcia could become the focal point of their remaining transfer activity.