Arsenal are already starting to make moves ahead of the transfer window with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta looking to add to a squad that finished second in the Premier League last year
Arsenal face disappointment in their latest bid to sign Joan Garcia, with Barcelona edging closer to an agreement which will see the sought-after Espanyol goalkeeper join them.
Garcia, 24, was heavily linked with Arsenal last summer when the Gunners were seeking a new keeper to compete with David Raya. After signing Pedro Neto on loan for the season, the Londoners had rekindled their interest in Garcia ahead of the summer transfer window in a bid to bring in top competition for Raya.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Garcia is not short of suitors following another stellar season in La Liga - and it's the newly minted Spanish champions who are now poised to clinch the shot-stopper's signature.
Various reports have now claimed that Garcia has all but agreed to join Barcelona, with talks over a transfer now at a 'very advanced' stage. Barca are even confident that the deal will be wrapped in the coming days.
Fichajes claim that Barcelona are aware of Premier League interest in Garcia - who is also admired by Newcastle among others - and intend to pay the player's €25million (£21m) release clause in order to bring one of their priority targets to the Nou Camp.
Missing out on Garcia would represent a big blow for Arsenal, who had once again installed Garcia as their No.1 choice to compete with Raya for the 2025-26 campaign.
The Gunners are expected to be active in the summer transfer window after finishing second in the Premier League for a third successive season and a deal for the Real Sociedad playmaker, Martin Zubimendi, is already at an advanced stage.
A top striker is set to follow, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres in contention to lead the line for Mikel Arteta's side next season.
Join the debate! Will Arsenal regret missing out on Garcia? Let us know here
With another goalkeeper also on the club's summer wishlist, Arsenal may have to go back to the drawing board with Garcia now on the cusp of a move to the Nou Camp.
Arteta confirmed Arsenal planned to be busy this summer in a recent interview with Sky Sports, saying: "With the numbers that we started the season and [the numbers] to provide for next season, with the demands we're going to have and especially with the players that we have who are coming through long-term surgeries, it's very unrealistic [to deliver trophies].
"We know that, we have to address that and we're going to do everything we can to improve it. Especially because we are going to lose quite a lot of players. There are players out of contract, there are players who have come here on loan.
"So the squad becomes really thin on top of the injuries that we have. We know we have that duty, that necessity and we have players in the academy that can help. Great, but if not we know what we have to do."
Jizablprsy
0
Why does shit like this seem to only happen to Arsenal every season and then Arsenal do nothing but drag their feet over every potential signing, leaving them with no one after all is done. Oh! What the definition of Madness again, oh yea. Doing the same rubbish expecting better results!
Jamadinors
0
Why would we sign the best laliga gk this season (imo) when we have the epl golden glove winner with other important positions to sort out first? I just don’t understand Arteta .Ok u gotta make squad competitive but not with players like havertz at 9 and martinelli at lw ? Wth u go sign forwards first or else u saying “eh next siison we go again”
The most confused Coach in England. Arteta buys what he does not need and sells what he needs. Busy protecting the players he loves and in the end he goes rambling and getting angry at post match briefings.
Jamadinors
0
The problem with Arsenal is not being able to understand its limitations and move quickly to conclude negotiations with players of interest. Arsenal always think that expressing interest in players stops other interested parties from moving ahead to negotiate for same players. One thought that the coming of Berta will change this but here we are! Followed one player Garcia for Theo seasons and lost him to Barca. Very poor, very poor Arsenal and Berta but the worrying thing is that this may not be the last this window. Arsenal is fast becoming the scout for other clubs. Arsenal locates and they buy!
Veobceiruz
0
very unserios club in Europe is arsenal.
miguelbumba
0
In case this proves to be real, goalkeeper is not a position we're in a rash to strengthen. The last thing we want is to goalkeeper fighting for number one spot (the Raya and Ramsdale saga 2.0). No big deal tbf..
biobceps
1
this app too dey lie
Chafoh
1
Arsenal are looking for a striker, not goalkeeper
gabuna-agabaa45
3
Pedro Neto?
United Kingdom2109354
1
Hardly, you just hate Arsenal such a pathetic third world app
ultimategooner
1
unserious football club
VIKINGSB
4
Did I hear you say Pedro Neto?.
kekekmruyz
5
Arteta needs goal scorers not goal stoppers
mupacimntz
3
when did Arsenal loan Pedro Neto
Dohalmnotu
4
that's arsenal for you when it comes to signing players it's always rumours until the transfer window shuts down en then they run for left overs on loan then at the end of the season they start the rumours again same old same old
Ruyceknrsy
1
actually Arsenal are not serious in respect of transfer issues, how many years back we have hearing this joke please is over Arsenal Coach and staff please please please do something important in respect to have something good please,
tiddeinsz
2
Obviously we need:- Striker Def/Mid Winger (versatile) G/K- Competition for Raya Maybe-C/B left side. Top 3 are essential!!!
Fateopstu
3
Arsenal are not serious in the transfer market. they just talk but don't get into action. they will delay till another club takes over to
water0147
0
and united need a goal keeper o
Ashikgunner123
2
Why would we sign the best laliga gk this season (imo) when we have the epl golden glove winner with other important positions to sort out first? I just don’t understand Arteta .Ok u gotta make squad competitive but not with players like havertz at 9 and martinelli at lw ? Wth u go sign forwards first or else u saying “eh next siison we go again”