Arsenal remain firm admirers of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia but other Premier League clubs are also interested and the details of his release clause are yet to have been finalised
The race for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is set to explode into life in the coming weeks - once the La Liga club know which division they'll be playing their football in next season. That's because Garcia, long admired by Arsenal, has a release clause that would be drastically slashed if Espanyol are relegated.
The final figure could also yet be dictated by Luis de la Fuente's upcoming Spain national team squad announcement ahead of La Roja's Nations League semi-final versus France in June.
Should Garcia be called up to the Spanish national team, his release clause - initially set at £21m (€25m) - would rise to £25.3m (€30m), just as it does in the final 15 days of each transfer window.
Sources have confirmed that interested clubs have already been briefed on the numerous variables affecting Garcia's buy-out clause and therefore, out of respect for the player and Espanyol, they're parking formal discussions until the end of the La Liga season.
The picture will become clearer on Sunday when a single point at Osasuna would secure safety for Espanyol, though Leganes will be relegated anyway if they fail to win at already-relegated Las Palmas.
Arsenal remain firm admirers of the 24-year-old but internally, newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to be sceptical about paying sizeable cash for a goalkeeper that is likely to be second in command to David Raya.
Garcia himself is said to be confident that he would be able to displace any goalkeeper in world football as he has strong ambitions to become one of the best of his craft.
At this moment in time, suggestions Newcastle are on the cusp of closing a deal are believed to be wide of the mark. Aston Villa's interest would also hinge on the future of Emiliano Martinez, who is a target for Saudi Pro League sides this summer.
The noises from those close to Garcia currently indicate his future will not be decided imminently, though things could move quickly at the end of the season when there will be clarity on the figure of his release clause.
Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza recently said: "There's a lot of noise around him, but there are no concrete offers at the moment. He's been crucial, not just for his performances but for his attitude. He's operating at the very highest level. He's completely focused on helping us get the points we need to secure safety. He's one of our most valuable assets, along with other homegrown players. We're proud of them."
Bayer Leverkusen are among those courting Garcia. Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman has been identified as a potential replacement for the Spaniard, should he be sold.
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