MU 'approach' Arsenal target for transfer talks with Amorim set to axe star

Manchester United have made an approach to hijack a deal for a long-term Arsenal transfer target ahead of the summer window as they look to strengthen Ruben Amorim's squad

Manchester United have made contact with Arsenal transfer target Joan Garcia over a potential move to Old Trafford. Arsenal saw two bids for the Espanyol goalkeeper rejected last summer and have been linked, along with Real Madrid, with making a move again in the upcoming transfer window.

Garcia is said to have received an offer from United after the Red Devils reached out to his representatives, per reports in Spain. The 13-times Premier League champions have long considered strengthening their goalkeeping options to challenge Andre Onana, with back-up Altay Bayindir being lined up for a summer sale, and Tom Heaton to exit the club.

United will not necessarily have a simple time securing a deal for Garcia, such is the interest in the player. The shotstopper, who has played every minutes for Espanyol in La Liga and kept seven clean sheets, has a release clause of €25million (£20.8m), which rises to €30m (£25m) in the last 15 days of the transfer window.

The 23-year-old's future is not something that is yet concerning sporting director Fran Garagarza. The Espanyol chief has played down any suggestion of an approach that has reached the level of last summer.

“There’s a lot of noise, but nothing is happening," he said, per by Sport. "There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous [summer] window. There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm."

For his part, Garcia offered a measured response on his future last month. The goalkeeper has not been flustered by speculation thus far. "Everyone likes to be spoken well of, to be talked about in the national team, but I take it as a prize, not as an obligation," he told Pizarritas, per Sport Witness.

“I continue on my way, working and with the objective of achieving permanence with Espanyol. After that, whatever good things come my way, I welcome them.”

Despite Garagarza's public approach, it appears there is some acceptance Garcia will depart. The Liga side have already identified one potential replacement in Mallorca ace Leo Roman, per reports in Spain.

United's interest in Garcia would appear to all but confirm that the club and Amorim are ready to cut their losses on Onana, who has failed to live up to expectations since moving to Old Trafford for a substantial transfer fee back in the summer of 2023.

The Cameroon star has been plagued by a catalogue of chastening errors and confidence in the shot-stopper has seemingly eroded. Recent reports have indicated that Onana could now be on the move this summer with transfer interest in the former Inter Milan man from Saudi Arabia.