Arsenal given deadline to sign transfer target before release clause fee increase - Reports
According to reports, Arsenal target Joan Garcia's release clause will increase from £20 million to £24 million on January 16, 2025. The Gunners will have to act quickly in the winter transfer window if they want to sign the Spanish shot-stopper.
The Gunners signed five players during the summer transfer window, including two goalkeepers. However, they waited until the very end to secure a backup for David Raya, eventually bringing in Bournemouth’s Neto on loan.
After Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton, the Gunners monitored several goalkeepers, including the highly regarded Joan Garcia, who has a £20 million release clause. The Espanyol shot-stopper remains a target, though a move could become more costly after the January transfer window.
Neto, who is cup-tied, is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal. David Raya, meanwhile, has started all Premier League and Champions League matches, while 16-year-old Jack Porter featured in the Carabao Cup, where Arsenal beat Bolton Wanderers 5-1.
Raya is clearly the first-choice keeper, but Mikel Arteta seems to have his eye on Garcia, who turned 23 this year. Garcia has been in excellent form over the past two seasons for Espanyol and is seen as a keeper capable of competing for the number one spot at Arsenal.
The Spanish youngster posted an impressive 82.9% save percentage in La Liga 2 last season as Espanyol secured promotion. He’s certainly maintained that form this season with a league-high 43 saves and a 76.8% save percentage, which is currently the second-highest in La Liga (stats via FotMob).
While Garcia’s £20 million release clause is still active, it expires on January 16. According to Mundo Deportivo, if the clause isn’t triggered by that date, Garcia’s price will increase by £4 million, which could force Arsenal to make a decision by the time the transfer window opens.
In addition to the Gunners, Tottenham Hotspur also showed interest in Garcia over the summer. It remains to be seen whether either club will formalize their interest in the Spanish keeper during the January transfer window.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender claims Arsenal keeper is among the world’s best
David Raya has been in sensational form since joining Arsenal permanently from Brentford for a reported fee of £27 million this summer. He has already kept five clean sheets across all competitions this season, but what truly stands out is his ability to step up when Arsenal need him the most.
Former Spurs defender Gary Stevens believes the Spanish keeper is currently the best in the world, stating that the Gunners have struck gold with Raya’s signing.
“Now I would definitely say there’s not a better goalkeeper out there than him. He’s certainly a keeper in form, in great form. He’s dominant when he comes to crosses and he’s a great shot-stopper. He joined the club on loan and there was that debate over who would start. Mikel Arteta stuck with Raya and he’s now a permanent signing and Arsenal have got this one right, 100%,” he said (via Metro).
Arsenal currently sit third in the Premier League table, just one point behind league leaders Liverpool. After the international break, they will face Bournemouth on Saturday, October 19, followed by a Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
