The Gunners have been making plans for life without Aaron Ramsdale in case a suitable offer arrives for the player. According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal might try to recruit RCD Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a backup option.
Joan Garcia High on Arsenal Transfer List
A Modern-Day Keeper
The Athletic mentions that Garcia features in Arsenal’s contingent plan that could be implemented should Ramsdale quit the club. The Spaniard has a release clause of £21 million, which is well within the North London side’s financial reach.
Garcia has numerous qualities that make him an attractive proposition. He is adept with the ball at his feet, a quality most modern-day managers expect their keepers to have. At 23, he is even younger than Ramsdale and has enough time to develop into a first-team player.
Garcia managed to keep ten clean sheets in 16 games last season and conceded just seven goals, an impressive feat for such a young goalkeeper. His exploits in goal have earned him a place in the Spain training squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
What Is the Next Step for Ramsdale?
So far, there hasn’t been much change in the Ramsdale transfer case. Newcastle United were the side most interested in him but balked at Arsenal’s price tag and decided to pursue other targets. The Magpies had recently confirmed a deal for Odysseas Vlachodimos and thus won’t be returning for the English keeper.
A transfer move would be in the best interests of both parties. Ramsdale will want to play regularly next season to fight for the national team’s number one jersey, which is currently worn by Evertonian Jordan Pickford.
Read More: Arsenal Facing Obstacles In Signing Priority Winger Targets
Moreover, having a discontent player in the ranks will harm the team’s morale and chemistry. But to Ramsdale’s credit, he has conducted himself in a professional manner ever since being dropped in favour of David Raya.
The Athletic believes that if the team can recoup much of the £24 million spent on Ramsdale, they would more likely sanction the exit. In that case, Arsenal would do well to bring in Garcia as Raya’s understudy.
