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 reports 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 made a big contribution to help 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, manager Mikel Arteta may have a difficult decision to make. David Raya, after an impressive loan spell in 2023-24, is expected to be bought permanently by Arsenal from Brentford. The Gunners will have to pay around £27 million for the 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 England 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 signing of James Trafford from Burnley.

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

Ramsdale is likely to leave Arsenal. Photo: AFP

As well as goalkeepers, Arsenal have also been linked with strikers this summer, with Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres among their potential 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