Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has joined the interest in RCD Espanyol's promising goalkeeper, Joan García. The "Gunners" plan to interfere with Barça's plans for the goalkeeper who is having a formidable season. The London club's sports management has been following the goalkeeper's progress for some time and is considering paying his release clause.
Ter Stegen's Replacement
The blaugrana club knows it needs a replacement to cover for the German goalkeeper who is in his final years of professional career. The former Borussia Mönchengladbach player is currently still injured and awaiting recovery, which is why Barça decided to bring Szczęsny out of retirement as a temporary fix until he recovers.
The Polish goalkeeper has provided experience and leadership between the posts, but from Can Barça, it is known that when Ter Stegen recovers, one of the three goalkeepers will have to leave. For now, Hansi Flick is clear about who will be the starting goalkeeper for the rest of the season, and it seems that Iñaki Peña has been relegated to a secondary role.
Iñaki, despite giving good impressions after Ter Stegen's injury against Villarreal on matchday 6 of the league, seems that it hasn't been enough. Since he arrived late to the Supercopa de España match against Athletic de Bilbao, Szczęsny has been the undisputed starter.
Therefore, from the blaugrana club's board, options have been considered for some time to find a reliable replacement for when the German goalkeeper recovers from his injury. It seems that the chosen one is Joan García, the young Spanish goalkeeper who is having an extraordinary season with RCD Espanyol.
Joan García, La Liga or the Premier?
Arsenal is willing to sabotage Barça's plan by paying the 30 million clause that the Spanish goalkeeper currently has. Mikel Arteta wants the goalkeeper at all costs for his brilliant reflexes and great footwork, which perfectly combine with the "Gunners'" play style.
If someone is willing to pay Joan García's clause, the final decision lies with the goalkeeper himself. In this situation, he will have to consider staying in La Liga and opting to sign for FC Barcelona, where their starting goalkeeper's cycle is coming to an end.
On the other hand, he would have the option to sign for Arsenal, where he would completely change his environment. In England, his competition would be greater, as he would compete head-to-head for the starting position with his compatriot, David Raya.