Premier League
Arsenal handed fresh blow in Joan Garcia pursuit
Arsenal have been handed a fresh blow in the pursuit of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Gunners identified Garcia as the replacement for Aaron Ramsdale this summer, but they were unable to strike a deal with Espanyol.
The London giants were prepared to pay €20m for the Spaniard, but Espanyol wanted his €30m release clause to be paid in full before the deadline.
Arsenal were unwilling to do so and they ended up landing Neto on loan from Bournemouth . The club have no buy option for the Brazilian.
Mikel Arteta 's side are still interested in Garcia, but they may have to pay much more next summer if the goalkeeper is called up by Spain.
Mundo Deportivo claim that Garcia's clause value will reportedly increase to €35m if he were to be called up by Spain in the near future.
It could well happen this month with manager Luis de la Fuente eyeing a new goalkeeper to fill in the squad for the injured Unai Simon .