Arsenal and the difficult problem of "goalkeeper"

Arsenal are set to complete a deal for Espanyol star Joan Garcia to make him the Gunners' first summer signing of 2024.

The Spanish goalkeeper has attracted a lot of interest this summer, including from the Premier League giants. And Arsenal are likely to win the race. According to sources in Spain, the 23-year-old will soon be announced as a new signing for The Gunners.

However, it is still unclear how much Arsenal will pay Espanyol for Garcia's services. The 23-year-old goalkeeper still has a four-year contract with the La Liga club.

Joan Garcia played a major role in helping Espanyol get promoted to play in La Liga next season. Photo: Espanyol Club

Garcia made 21 appearances in all competitions for Espanyol last season as they secured promotion to La Liga. At the end of the season, the goalkeeper remained tight-lipped when asked about his future.

"I always feel the love of the fans. I am happy that everyone is with me. As for my future, stay calm" - said the Spanish goalkeeper.

If Arsenal reach an agreement with Garcia, coach Mikel Arteta may have to make a difficult decision. David Raya, after an impressive loan season in 2023-2024, is expected to be bought by Arsenal from Brentford. The "Gunners" will have to pay around 27 million pounds for this deal.

"Those conversations are for after the season. We will review the players' positions. Obviously, we are really pleased with David Raya and everything he has brought to the club. There is no question about that. But decisions about the future are made by many members of the board and we will see," Arteta said at the end of last season.

David Raya was Arteta's number 1 choice last season. Photo: ARS

Aaron Ramsdale also faces an uncertain future at the Emirates. The goalkeeper is no longer in Arteta's favour following the arrival of Raya in goal.

The English goalkeeper has been linked with a number of other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle. The Magpies are said to be ready to "rescue" Ramsdale. However, according to British media, Newcastle are now prioritizing the recruitment of James Trafford of Burnley.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper has just two years left on his Arsenal contract and faces a dilemma over his future despite Arteta's defence. "An offer? The big reality is that Aaron Ramsdale will be here because he is our player and has a contract," said the Spaniard.

Ramsdale will likely have to leave Arsenal. Photo: AFP

Apart from goalkeepers, Arsenal have also been linked with strikers this summer, with Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres among their potential new recruits.

The Gunners will soon be touring the US to prepare for the new season. They will meet Manchester United on July 28 before facing Liverpool three days later.

Source: https://laodong.vn/bong-da-quoc-te/arsenal-va-bai-toan-nan-giai-ve-nguoi-gac-den-1358501.ldo