Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is set to snub a move to Catalan rivals Barcelona in favour of a Premier League switch, with Arsenal among the clubs interested in his services.
Having delivered impressive performances during the 2024/25 season, Garcia has become a top target for Barcelona. The La Liga champions want to sign a long-term replacement for Marc-André ter Stegen, who recently turned 33.
Ter Stegen’s performances and form have been on a steady decline in recent seasons, and the club sees back-up Wojciech Szczesny as nothing more than a temporary fix, despite offering him a two-year contract extension.
However, hopes of bringing in Garcia have hit a stumbling block. According to Matteo Moretto (via Football Espana), the goalkeeper has rejected a move to the Catalan giants. Instead, he prefers a switch to the Premier League.
Reports add that the young custodian rejected the Spanish champions out of respect for his boyhood club, as Espanyol share a bitter rivalry with Barcelona.
After pledging his loyalty to Espanyol by refusing to approve a move to Barça, the 24-year-old is now keen on a move to the Premier League. Arsenal have been interested since last summer and remain in pursuit, while Aston Villa believe he is the perfect successor to Emi Martinez, whose departure from Villa Park seems inevitable this summer.
Newcastle United, Manchester City, Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Chelsea have also been reported to be keeping tabs on Garcia’s situation in Catalunya.
Garcia will be eager to take the next step in his career, and it remains to be seen where he will play football next season.
