Arsenal Might Lose The Race For 24-year-Old Player: Will That Impact Them? | OneFootball

Arsenal continue to look to the future with the intention of strengthening key areas. Although the goalkeeper position has been well covered, the club are still evaluating young alternatives with potential. As the market begins to move, the Gunners have identified several profiles that could fit in with their philosophy.

Arteta’s team want players who can perform from the first minute, but who can also grow within their structure. And in that search, a name has appeared that has started to gain ground in the club’s internal conversations. A name that also sounds strong in Catalonia.

Arsenal Might Lose The Race For Joan Garcia

Joan Garcia, the 24-year-old goalkeeper, has been one of the high points of the season in La Liga. With key saves and a strong personality, he helped Espanyol save themselves from relegation on the final day. There is talk of a transfer of €25 million, and some media are already placing him close to the Camp Nou.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 14: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol looks on during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and FC Barcelona at RCDE Stadium on May 14, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite all this, the player himself has said that he has not made any decision. He says that he is calm and that when the time comes, he will think calmly with his entourage. He has not ruled anything out, but neither has he confirmed anything.

“At the end of the day, in football, news is coming out all the time, things are coming out. Until things become a reality, it’s not always the truth. But anyway, as I’m telling you, I’m very calm. Whatever needs to be decided, I’ll definitely think about it a lot with my people and choose what will be best for me. I’m sure it will be like that,” the Espanyol No.1 told Tot Gira on 3Cat when asked about the latest rumours.

Will That Impact Them?

From Arsenal’s point of view, the situation does not seem simple. The interest in Joan Garcia is real, but it clashes with the player’s desire to take his time. If Barça have already advanced contacts, that could leave the Londoners at a disadvantage. Moreover, convincing a player who has spent his whole life in Catalonia to move to England requires more than a good financial offer. It requires a convincing sporting plan, and that is what Berta and Co. will have to come up with if they are to compete.

If they fail to sign him, the impact will not be immediately serious, but an interesting opportunity will be lost. Joan has the ideal profile to compete with Raya or even take on the role of first-choice goalkeeper in time. On the other hand, if he stays in Spain, it will also be a good test to see if he is really ready for the next level. From another perspective, this story reflects something deeper: English clubs can no longer take it for granted that their proposals will always convince. In this case, the player’s heart might outweigh anything else.