Arsenal favourites to sign 23yo star ahead of Man Utd

Arsenal are favourites to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia ahead of Manchester United this summer, according to Sport.

The Gunners were determined to land Garcia as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale last summer, but a deal did not materialise.

They made a late approach to sign the Spaniard after Ramsdale's exit, but could not convince Espanyol to negotiate on terms.

The La Liga outfit were adamant on the release clause which the Gunners were reluctant to trigger before the transfer deadline.

Arsenal have continued to be linked with him and Sport claim that they are favourites to land him ahead of the next transfer window.

United have recently joined the pursuit of the shot-stopper, but Arsenal are best front and the front-runners to secure his services.

Personal terms were agreed last summer and the club are confident of bringing him to the Emirates Stadium later this year.

The Gunners don't plan to trigger his £21m release clause and will instead look to negotiate a lesser figure with the Spanish side.

Espanyol are open to considering a discount for an early sale.