Barcelona set to beat Arsenal to 24yo Spanish star

Barcelona are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer.

The Gunners were determined to land the Spaniard as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale last summer, but their £17m bid was rejected.

Arsenal have been touted to return for him, but the 24-year-old is now expected to join Barcelona, who are ready to trigger his £21m release clause.

Garcia has his sights on playing regular first-team football next season. Arsenal are unlikely to guarantee him minutes ahead of David Raya.

On the other hand, the Blaugrana have opened the door for the same.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the regular shot-stopper, but Garcia could displace him as the number one under manager Hansi Flick.

Ter Stegen has no plans of leaving the Catalan giants, but Garcia has still been convinced to make the move after receiving assurances.

Arsenal are now eyeing Kepa Arrizabalaga as an alternative. They are ready to trigger the £5 million release clause in his Chelsea contract.