Joan Garcia is expected to receive a stream of transfer offers at the end of the 2024/25 season as Espanyol against relegation.
The Catalan side produced a shock victory in Europa-Chasing Rayo Vallecano, to increase their hope of survival, with a five-point gap in place above the drop zone.
However, if they are relegated, Garcia is almost certain of going further and staying in La Liga, his future does not guarantee.
Premier League side Arsenal is strongly connected to Garcia – who received a debut call last month to the Senior Squad of Spain – with the Gunners who push to take him to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's plan is to have strong coverage in every position in 2025/26 and he wants Garcia as a backup of fellow Spaniard David Raya.
Arsenal reportedly made a step before Garcia late in the summer transfer window, but at that time Espanyol made it clear that a deal would only be possible if the full release clause of the 23-year-old was paid.
In January there was no further interest with Arteta happy to wait until June to make a renewed push and Arsenal has already had conversations with his representatives.
The last update indicates that Arsenal wants to close a deal just below its release clause of € 25 million and the clause will also fall to € 15 million if Espanyol is banned.
However, they will not be in the race for Garcia, with reports from the German Outlet Bild who claim that Bayer Leverkusen will also make an offer.
Xabi Alonso is preparing to stay in place in the Bayarena for the 2025/26 campaign and he wants to strengthen his team to challenge Bayern Munich.
That could cause a transfer battle between two old friends, while Arteta and Alonso are fighting out to secure a transfer target, despite their long -term friendship that extends to childhood in San Sebastian.
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