Arsenal's £21.1m transfer plan emerges after star makes brutally honest exit admission

Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as Mikel Arteta plots further changes to his squad.

The Gunners are believed to be in the market for a central midfielder and more attacking options after coming up just short in the Premier League title race for a second successive season - but it also seems as though more big changes could be coming in the goalkeeping department.

As well as finalising a permanent deal for David Raya, who established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper while on loan last season, Arsenal are poised to complete the signing of Garcia, 23, 'soon', according to reports in Spain.

A report from AS earlier this week outlined that the Espanyol shot-stopper has previously attracted interest from Tottenham. The report also disclosed that Garcia has a release clause of €25million (£21.1m) written into his current contract.

With Raya expected to start the new season as first-choice, Garcia would likely come in as his No.2 and talks with Espanyol further indicate that Aaron Ramsdale is set to depart the Emirates this summer.

The England international, 26, lost his spot in the team in the opening weeks of the 2023/24 campaign and spent most of the season on the bench. A number of Premier League clubs have since been credited with an interest in his services, including Newcastle.

In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Ramsdale was brutally honest on the situation and made it clear he had no intention of spending another year on the sidelines, paving the way for a transfer. He said: "No footballer wants to not play. I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again."

Mikel Arteta previously indicated that talks over Ramsdale's future would take place in the summer. The Spaniard is set to be backed in the transfer market again by the club's top brass but the opportunity to raise further funds through player trading is an avenue Arsenal are expected to pursue.

A number of players have already attracted interest, including Hale End graduate Emile Smith. Another product of the Gunners academy, Reiss Nelson, is also expected to move on after informing the club he wants to consider his options.

Arsenal have yet to make a signing this summer. They missed out on a deal for top target Benjamin Sesko after he decided to sign a new contract with Red Bull Leipzig instead of pursuing a move to the Premier League.