As the transfer window is drawing closer, our focus is on various areas of our squad and once again, we take a look at the goalkeeping unit. Espanyol, currently 14th in Segunda, rely on 23-year-old goalkeeper Joan Garcia—linked with both Arsenal and Everton over the weekend—who has conceded just 15 goals in 17 games.
Not yet a household name, Garcia is one of Spain’s most promising young keepers. His recent performances have alerted several clubs across Europe, with Arsenal believed to be leading the race to sign him.
Born in 2001, Joan Garcia is already RCD Espanyol’s first goalkeeper, the first option for this second division team. A graduate of the club’s youth academy, Garcia has worked his way up and has been first-choice goalkeeper since Espanyol’s relegation from La Liga. Although the prospect of Premier League football would tempt Garcia at this stage of his career, the 23 year old’s agility, sharp reflexes and composure has not gone unnoticed despite his side plying their trade in the Championship.
All eyes on Joan Garcia. 🧤👀
A brilliant season! 👏 pic.twitter.com/4HURhOsPEa
Garcia made 36 appearances and had 14 shut-outs in league as Espanyol were promoted thanks to his performances in the 2024–25 season. His passing and his ability to play from the back fits with Mikel Arteta’s style of play and he could be the perfect replacement to fit for the way Arsenal’s new manager wants the team to play.
David Raya has just signed a permanent deal after an initial loan from Brentford, and Aaron Ramsdale’s long-term future is in doubt at the club. Ramsdale has been benched for the majority of the campaign, and with alleged interest from other Premier League sides, there is every chance the 22-year old departs in the summer.
That leaves Arteta in the market for an experienced and reasonably priced back-up who will be able to develop into a more prominent role if necessary. Joan Garcia checks a lot of those boxes. He’s young (23), technically sound and has significant first-team experience. Just as crucially, he fits the model the club has developed in recent years of bringing in and developing the best young talent before they enter their peak.
Arsenal are close to signing Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a challenger to David Raya. (@MiguelDelaney) pic.twitter.com/TV2w7LftZE
Espanyol want to do business for Garcia and will likely ask for a figure between €10 to 12 million. Arsenal, known for careful spending on young stars, believe this price fits Garcia’s potential. Although Arsenal hasn’t placed a bid yet, their scouting network has tracked the goalkeeper for some time. The club plans to make a move once they sort out their other keepers.
Arsenal’s strategy with Garcia is the same as the club’s strategy elsewhere — spend smartly on reasoning, you talent that can grow within the club’s ethos. Mikel Arteta obsessively focuses on technical skills and playing out from the back, and Garcia’s attributes fit perfectly. He would be more than a backup—he could become a crucial part of Arsenal’s future.
Arsenal’s interest in Joan Garcia represents a clear intention to invest in long-term depth and future-proofing key positions. In a bid to stay competitive across the board—both domestically and in Europe—the Gunners could do worse than bring in a skilled young goalkeeper such as Garcia, who would be a shrewd financial and tactical decision.
In a market where proven goalkeepers are looking for top dollar, signing Garcia today might be an intelligent move in the direction of guaranteeing Arsenal’s goalkeeping future. His move to North London is perhaps not yet done, but the interest is genuine—and growing justified.
In addition, putting more pressure on an opposition goal by adding a goalkeeper of Garcia’s profile would also represent more of an organisational dimension to how this squad is being build with an eye on sustainability, with an experienced head helping guide the bright young talents in this squad. This might just pay off as Arteta shapes a team that wants to genuinely challenge at the top end.
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