Arsenal are reportedly in the market for a back-up goalkeeper as uncertainty surrounds Aaron Ramsdale’s future at the club. The Gunners are on the verge of agreeing a fee with Real Sociedad to sign Mikel Merino this summer and that deal is expected to be accompanied by the signing of a backup goalie should Ramsdale depart.
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia has emerged as a potential option to serve as the understudy to David Raya, who was permanently signed by the Gunners this summer after winning the Golden Glove last season.
With Southampton manager Russell Martin reportedly initiating contact with Ramsdale over a potential loan move, Arsenal’s need to secure a reliable second-choice goalkeeper has become increasingly urgent.
Whoever replaces Ramsdale, whether it’s Garcia or another goalkeeper, will need to understand that their opportunities for game time will be limited, as Raya is expected to be Mikel Arteta’s first-choice between the posts.
Back in July, The Athletic reported that Garcia, a product of Espanyol’s academy, was being considered by Arsenal as a possible replacement for Ramsdale. The 23-year-old Spaniard had an impressive season, making 18 appearances and keeping 12 clean sheets while conceding just 10 goals, helping his team earn promotion to La Liga.
Despite interest from other top clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid, Espanyol is reportedly reluctant to let Garcia leave, although his £21.4 million (€25 million) release clause remains a factor.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth highlighted Arsenal’s potential move for Garcia, noting that the young goalkeeper could be brought in to support Raya.
“Arsenal will, of course, need to go into the market to bring in a goalkeeper [if Aaron Ramsdale leaves]. And the Espanyol goalkeeper, a Spain Under-21 international, Joan Garcia, is a player that they’ve been looking at.
“He would come in to fill in that quota of the goalkeepers that would be behind David Raya in the pecking order,” Sheth explained.
