Arsenal ready to pay release clause for gem after 'impossible' performance as forgotten man likely to leave

Arsenal will be focusing all their attention on the Champions League, which remains their only likely chance at winning silverware this season as they are 11 points behind Liverpool.

The Gunners play against La Liga giants Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, with the first leg coming at the Emirates on Tuesday night. It could be the biggest game of the season for Mikel Arteta’s side.

After that, Arsenal will be looking ahead to the summer transfer window, which is due to be a big one as they aim to build a squad capable of beating the likes of Liverpool and Man City to the Premier League title next season. They are set to replace a ‘forgotten’ man who is leaving in June.

Arsenal ready to pay for Neto replacement

David Raya has the number-one spot in goal nailed on after what has been an impressive season for the Spaniard. He has made 44 appearances for Arsenal this season, conceding 38 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets.

However, backup goalkeeper Neto has been somewhat of a forgotten man this season, making just four appearances for the Gunners this season. He is on loan from Bournemouth and due to leave the Emirates at the end of the year.

Seeing as they will need a new goalkeeper in the summer, they have long been linked to Espanyol stopper Joan Garcia, and reports in Spain now suggest that a move for him has been accelerated.

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Arsenal are ready to pay the 23-year-old’s £17m release clause for him to come in and provide competition for Raya, who remains unchallenged by Neto for his spot in the starting XI.

The report says that Arsenal are more urgent to sign Garcia due to emerging interest in the Spanish keeper from clubs in Serie A and the Bundesliga. Garcia has made 29 appearances for Espanyol this season, conceding 40 goals and keeping five clean sheets. He is under contract until 2028, but has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

Garcia makes “impossible” save

The Espanyol keeper has gained a lot of credit in La Liga this season, winning the league’s award for save of the month in February for a stop that he made against Real Sociedad. He has since been credited with an “impossible” save made this past weekend.

Garcia recently made a point-blank save against Girona which was described by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo as “impossible” suggesting that he may have already locked up the save of the season award in La Liga.

Considering the plaudits that Garcia seems to be getting in Spain, £17m could prove to be a bargain for the Gunners, who could have their backup keeper spot locked up for several seasons if they decide to sign him.

In other news, Mikel Merino sends Real Madrid warning and responds to question about Arsenal title failures.