Sporting director makes 'close' admission after Arsenal transfer approaches

Arsenal could still get their hands on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with the La Liga club’s president now speaking about the situation. Garcia was quickly identified by the Gunners as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale who left for Southampton on a deal worth up to £25million.

Garcia is still just 23 years of age, but he has emerged as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Spain, standing out in the back-end of Espanyol’s promotion campaign from the Segunda División last season, while he has unsurprisingly remained a starter in La Liga this season.

Arsenal were said to have pushed for a deal to sign Garcia ahead of Friday’s deadline, but they were ultimately forced to land Bournemouth’s Neto on loan after failing to get a deal done. Now, speaking to Sport, Espanyol chief Fran Garagarza has been speaking about the situation and how the club managed to keep the Gunners at bay.

“There have been movements. We have had to work hard. There have been conversations, situations to work through. Situations to handle,” he said. “We are dealing with a great goalkeeper, but we are also dealing with a great person. His behaviour, his poise, his harmony and his tone of voice… for me, he’s top 10. That’s what I’ll take from him.”

Garagarzaw, who previously spent time at Wolves, added: “The president has always prioritised sporting performance over economic performance. We have never pushed for a sale if it has not been in economic conditions close to the clause. As far as Joan García is concerned, we think it is the best thing for the club and for him. After a great season, he will be in a better position to assess his professional career.

“In terms of the club’s project, the fact that there are many transfers does not mean that there is no project, this year we have to guarantee our status, to be in the first division, and from there to continue building our assets. But if you want to do that, you don’t have to mortgage your future, committing to players that will mortgage next summer would be the worst thing that could happen to us. All we have done this summer is to guarantee a competitive year without mortgaging the future.”