Arsenal face heavy competition to sign 23yo Spanish star

Arsenal are set to face heavy competition to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, according to Cadena SER.

The 23-year-old agreed personal terms with the Gunners last summer but the club could not sign him before the deadline.

The Gunners offered around €20m for his services, but Espanyol refused to sanction his sale for less than his €30m release clause.

Arsenal are expected to return for the Spaniard this summer but reports claim that their task of signing him has become difficult.

The Gunners have identified Garcia as a deputy to David Raya in goal. They consider him as a future candidate for the no.1 role.

On the contrary, the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United could be prepared to hand Garcia with regular game time.

Garcia's release clause will reduce to €25m at the start of the next transfer window and Arsenal need to be proactive to sign him.

The shot-stopper has personally acknowledged the interest from the Gunners but they can't afford to be complacent.