Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol looks on during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on August 28, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia stated that he distance himself from the relentless rumors surrounding a potential transfer to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has opened up about his experience following the collapse of his summer transfer move to Arsenal. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal identifying him as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who joined Southampton after losing his place to David Raya.
Reports indicated that Arsenal had even agreed personal terms with Garcia’s camp over a proposed £25 million move. However, negotiations fell through at the final hurdle as Arsenal failed to meet Espanyol’s financial demands.
Garcia, who won a gold medal with Spain at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, chose to distance himself from the speculation. “I tried to isolate myself from everything that was being said,” Garcia told Spanish publication Marca. “I had been given the opportunity to do something I had been fighting for for a long time, which was to be Espanyol’s starting goalkeeper. I couldn’t waste this opportunity.”
Despite the disappointment, Garcia has remained focused on his current role at Espanyol, starting all but one of their La Liga games this season. “The important thing is the team’s performance,” he added. “Personally, I think I’m doing well, but I’m demanding and I think I can do much better.”
Espanyol’s sporting director, Fran Garagarza, has not ruled out a future move for Garcia, but for now, Garcia remains committed to helping his current team navigate a challenging season.
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