Arsenal could make next transfer in HOURS as hidden contract clauses emerge

Arsenal are weighing up a move for Joan Garcia and the goalkeeper's release clause could force them to act fast.

Garcia has only just returned to Espanyol after he was part of Spain's gold medal winning squad at the Olympics and is being considered as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who is keen to leave Arsenal in search of regular first-team football.

According to the Evening Standard, Espanyol are reluctant to let Garcia leave but he does have a release clause in his contract. The clause is currently £21.4million, but that will reportedly rise to £25.7m on Thursday (August 15).

As a result, the Gunners will need to act fast in order to avoid having to pay extra for the 23-year-old. The report also states that Ajax have emerged as a potential destination for Ramsdale.

The Dutch club are said to have had a bid to sign Ramsdale on loan rejected by Arsenal, who are looking to sell the goalkeeper instead. Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Southampton have also been linked with Ramsdale.

Speaking about his future ahead of Euro 2024, Ramsdale admitted he had endured a "tough year" after losing his spot as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper to David Raya. "No footballer wants to not play," he told talkSPORT.

"I've had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again. I've got the greatest honour, the greatest badge on my chest, if I play a minute or no minutes [and England win the Euros], it will be the pinnacle for me, the best day ever."

However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has claimed Ramsdale could actually end up staying at the Emirates. "There is a big reality that Aaron will be here because he is our player and has a contract," Arteta said back in April.

Arsenal have signed teenage prospect Tommy Setford from Ajax, but he will primarily feature for the under-23s this season. Karl Hein has also joined Real Valladolid on loan after signing a contract extension.

Arsenal have only made two signings so far this summer, making Raya's loan move permanent and adding versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori. Emile Smith Rowe's move to Fulham has been the biggest departure, while Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares have both left on loan with options to buy.

Mikel Merino is another player said to be closing in on a move to the Emirates, with Sporting Director Edu touching down to seal a deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder. The Gunners are understood to already have an agreement with the player, but may need to sell before they can trigger his release clause.