Joan Garcia opens up on being ‘isolated’ after move to Arsenal collapsed

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has revealed he decided to 'isolate' himself after seeing a dream summer move to Arsenal collapse.

Arsenal were reportedly in talks with the LaLiga giants over Garcia as Mikel Arteta sought a replacement back-up goalkeeper for David Raya after Aaron Ramsdale joined Southampton.

It is believed the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the £25million goalkeeper but have failed to secure a deal with Espanyol.

After withdrawing from negotiations, Arsenal eventually signed Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan deal.

Now Garcia has spoken out about how he handled the speculation linking him with the Premier League.

“I tried to isolate myself from everything that was said,” he told Spanish newspaper Marca. “I had been given the opportunity to do something I had been fighting for for a long time, namely to become Espanyol's starting goalkeeper. I couldn't pass up this opportunity.”

Garcia has made 12 appearances for Espanyol in LaLiga this season, having made his full breakthrough in the team last year when they played in Spain's second tier.

He has not ruled out leaving next summer – after sporting director Fran Garagarza admitted the player could be sold – but insisted he was happy at the club.

“It's something that I don't think should be talked about so much,” he added. “I try not to let it affect me and try to stay isolated, even though it's complicated.

“I think I can handle it well, I have no control over it. It doesn't affect me. Whatever will happen, will happen.”

It turns out that Garcia would not have enjoyed too much game time had he joined the Gunners, with Neto failing to feature since his move from Bournemouth.