Arsenal in 'pole position' to sign long-term David Raya replacement after £21.3m transfer snub

Arsenal have identified their long-term replacement for David Raya, according to reports. The Spaniard, who joined the Gunners from Brentford on loan in August 2023 before making the move permanent the following summer, has kept 15 clean sheets this season, but has been criticised for some marquee errors.

Raya's positioning for Bruno Fernandes' opener during Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Sunday left a lot to be desired and Mikel Arteta could look for a new No.1 ahead of next season.

Now, according to Cadena SER, the Gunners are aiming to bolster up their goalkeeping department with Espanyol's Joan Garcia high up on their summer shopping list. Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in Garcia but Arteta's side are said to be leading the race for the talented 23-year-old shot-stopper.

Garcia was linked with a transfer to the Emirates Stadium last summer as the Gunners attempted to bring in a replacement for the departing Aaron Ramsdale. It's added that Arsenal came 'close' to triggering his £25.3million release clause, offering £21.3m and failed to convince Espanyol of a deal.

Instead, they signed Neto on loan from Bournemouth - after Ramsdale made his £25million move to Southampton. But with Neto expected to return to the Cherries at the end of the season, the Gunners are back to square one and a move for Garcia is expected to take place in the summer window.

Garcia progressed through the youth system at Espanyol and he cemented his place as their first-choice 'keeper during the 2023/2024 season. After an impressive campaign, interest in Garcia was high, but he stayed put at the Catalan club. While Garcia has kept just four clean sheets in 26 league games this term, his stock is still high.

Last August, Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez issued a stark admission over Garcia's future and admitted the club were 'powerless' in the situation regarding his proposed move to Arsenal.

"I can't do anything," he told Marca at the time. "If they pay the clause, we can't do anything. I'm very happy that he's here and that he's from the club.

"I don't think he'll leave, but I can't know. It's a luxury to have a player like him. I say it every week, I don't think he'll leave. If I eat it, I'll eat it, but it's difficult for someone to pay a 30 million clause. If someone wants him, they should pay the clause. I can't say any more."

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