Arsenal have submitted a formal bid of £16.8m for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Mikel Arteta seeks to secure a replacement for Aaron Ramsdaleaccording Fabricius Romano.
The Gunners are reviewing their back-up goalkeeping options this summer with Ramsdale set to follow Karl Hein out of the exit door after the youngster joined Real Valladolid on loan.
Ramsdale is currently undergoing a medical at Southampton ahead of his permanent move. transfer after a Agreement worth up to £25m On Wednesday, both clubs agreed to include additional players.
The England international's departure leaves Arteta with a void to fill and Arsenal have moved quickly to try and secure a direct replacement for Ramsdale.
Romano claims the Gunners have submitted an initial offer of £16.8m (€20m) which includes add-ons for the Espanyol goalkeeper. The Italian transfer guru also says Garcia has already reached a personal agreement with Arsenal and wants to secure a move to north London.
Termination clause
However, Arsenal may have to dig a little deeper if they are to reach a deal, as Romano says Espanyol want the full value of Garcia's £25m (€30m) release clause to be paid if they are to lose their No.1.
Romano tweeted on X:
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal submit a €20m offer for Joan Garcia as their new goalkeeper to replace Ramsdale. Agents Juanma Lopez and Andy Bara have taken the offer to Espanyol for €20m with variables included. Espanyol are asking for a €30m buy-out clause. Joan Garcia has reached an agreement with the club #AFC and Arsenal wants it.
We'll have to wait and see how things play out in the coming hours, but it appears Garcia is the man Arteta wants to replace Southampton-bound Ramsdale.
The 23-year-old has impressed hugely since becoming Espanyol's No.1 and was part of the Spain squad that won the European Championship earlier this summer.
The 1.88m goalkeeper would provide stiff competition for compatriot David Raya if he completes the proposed move to the Emirates Stadium before the window closes at 11pm on Friday night.
