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Topics: Arsenal, Barcelona, Transfer News, Champions League, Football
Ben McAleer
Topics: Arsenal, Barcelona, Transfer News, Champions League, Football
Arsenal missed out on the signing of a player who has been tipped to be world-class after they refused to up their offer by just £6 million.
The Gunners were linked with a move for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia last summer and were prepared to offer £17.4 million for the shotstopper.
However, Espanyol were adamant that Arsenal pay the £23.4 million release clause to cash in on the Spaniard.
Arsenal eventually secured former Bournemouth keeper Neto’s services on loan as backup for David Raya, and then signed Kepa for just £5 million earlier this summer after the Brazilian was let go following just one appearance for the club last season.
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Garcia, meanwhile, remained at Espanyol and impressed for the La Liga side, eventually securing a move to rivals Barcelona over the summer despite competition for his services from several Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Aston Villa.
And Arsenal’s loss has very much proven to be Barcelona’s gain as Garcia impressed in their 2-1 Champions League win at Newcastle on Tuesday night.
Marcus Rashford stole the plaudits for his match-winning display at St. James’ Park, scoring twice for Hansi Flick’s side.
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24-year-old Garcia, meanwhile, shone between the sticks as he made five saves and two high ball claims in their win over the Premier League side.
While he could do little to prevent Anthony Gordon from setting up a nervy finish, Garcia was still on hand to help Barcelona get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start.
Garcia has adapted seamlessly since his move across the city from rivals Espanyol, having conceded only three goals in Barca’s opening four league games after succeeding Wojciech Szczesny as first choice.
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The ex-Arsenal number one has been full of praise for the young shotstopper, however, recently saying on his future: “I am backup to Joan García, and will remain so.
“My role is to prepare him for the biggest matches. He's already one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, but I want to prepare him for the highest level. I will try to help him.”
While Garcia has yet to receive his first senior international cap, he did help Spain win a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, as they beat host nation France.
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He’ll face competition on the international stage from Gunners number one David Raya, who is already battling for the starting spot for La Roja with Unai Simon and Alex Remiro.
Garcia will hope to again play his part as Barcelona gear up for Sunday’s trip to Getafe as Flick looks to extend their unbeaten start to the season.
Barcelona sit in second spot in La Liga ahead of the weekend’s action, level with rivals Espanyol, having picked up 10 points from the opening four games.
However, they are currently two points behind Real Madrid, who boast a 100% start to the season in all competitions following their 2-1 Champions League win over Marseille in midweek.