“I could not miss this opportunity” – La Liga star explains reasoning behind Arsenal transfer snub

During the summer, Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. However, no move was made until the latter stages of the transfer window, and ultimately no deal could be reached between the two clubs.

Garcia spoke about the summer saga on Thursday (via Marca), while also explaining why he was not pushing for a move to the Premier League.

“I tried to isolate myself from everything that was being talked about. I had been given the opportunity for what I had been fighting for for a long time, which was to become Espanyol's starting goalkeeper. And I couldn't miss this opportunity.”

Garcia took over from Fernando Pacheco as Espanyol's starting goalkeeper last season and hasn't looked back since. So far, he has been a standout player for Los Pericos in their return to La Liga, making a record 4.3 saves per 90 minutes played.