Arsenal close in on Gold Medalist goalkeeper as Ramsdale exit looms

Arsenal are moving swiftly to secure a replacement in form of Joan Garcia for Aaron Ramsdale who may be on his way out of the Emirates before the transfer window closes.

The Gunners have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, who is a 23-year-old goalkeeper who won gold with Spain’s Olympic squad.

Ramsdale who has lost his starting spot to David Raya has been linked with several clubs, including Ajax, Wolves, Bournemouth, and Southampton.

Arsenal are open to loaning him out for a £5 million fee, with a significant portion of his wages covered. But the club prefers a permanent deal to recoup as much as possible from the nearly £30 million they initially paid for the 26-year-old.

Joan Garcia emerges as top target for Arsenal

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Joan Garcia has become Arsenal’s priority target should Ramsdale depart. Garcia who impressed last season by keeping eight clean sheets in 14 league games for Espanyol has caught the eye of Mikel Arteta and his staff.

His performances helped Espanyol secure promotion to La Liga and earned him a spot in Spain’s Olympic squad, where he played a crucial role in winning the gold medal.

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Arsenal have already reached a verbal agreement with Garcia on personal terms but Espanyol’s strong negotiating position could make the deal tricky.

The Spaniard’s release clause increased to £25.7 million in mid-August, and Espanyol is unlikely to let him go for less. Arsenal known for their strategy of signing young talents, might have to meet the full release clause to bring Garcia to North London.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have strengthened their goalkeeping options with the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford for £27 million.

However, with Karl Hein out on loan and 18-year-old Tommy Setford as the current third-choice keeper Arsenal needs an experienced backup if Ramsdale leaves.

As the transfer window deadline approaches Arsenal faces a race against time to finalize Garcia’s deal ensuring they are well-covered in the goalkeeping department for the upcoming season.