Arsenal pushing hard to sign 24-year-old Spanish star?

Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia amid interest from several Premier League clubs.

The Gunners were eager to land the Spaniard last summer, but they could not secure a suitable agreement before the deadline.

The club are poised to return for the 24-year-old and Mundo Deportivo claim that they are determined to bring him to north London.

However, a deal won't be easy to pull off. Arsenal were the only high-profile team interested in the Spaniard last summer.

Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bournemouth have now joined the race for the highly-rated shot-stopper.

The quartet could guarantee Garcia with the number one role next season while Arsenal only see him as David Raya's deputy.

This could be a huge stumbling block for the Gunners in the pursuit. Garcia could be tempted to join one of those clubs over Arsenal.

Garcia has his sights on playing regularly at the highest level so that he can make the World Cup squad with Spain next year.