Arsenal favourites to sign 23yo Spanish star ahead of Barcelona

Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia ahead of Barcelona this summer.

The Gunners were hot on the trail of the Spaniard last summer, but could not negotiate a fee with his club before the deadline.

Garcia had a release clause worth €25m, but the price increased to €30m for the last 15 days of the transfer window.

Arsenal tried to offer €20m for the 23-year-old, but Espanyol were reluctant to negotiate with no time to replace him.

Espanyol are willing to discuss this time around and Cadena SER claim that the Gunners have an upper hand in the pursuit.

Barcelona view him as a potential third-choice behind Marc Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny for next term.

On the other hand, Arsenal could consider him as the immediate back-up to David Raya with Neto expected to leave the club.

Neto signed for the Gunners on loan from Bournemouth last summer. Arsenal have no plans to prolong his stay.