Arsenal's goalkeeping conundrum has taken an intriguing turn as the club eyes Espanyol's Joan Garcia as a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsdale. This exclusive insight, brought to you by FootballTransfers, reveals the strategic manoeuvres Arsenal might employ to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.

Ramsdale's Uncertain Future Aaron Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021 for EUR28 million, has found himself in a precarious position. Despite his initial success and the crucial role he played in Arsenal's resurgence, Ramsdale's future at the Emirates is now under scrutiny. According to FootballTransfers, "the England international remains indecisive about his future at the Emirates and he is still weighing up his options carefully."

Photo IMAGO This uncertainty has prompted Arsenal's management to explore alternative options. Mikel Arteta, keen to maintain the team's momentum, needs clarity from Ramsdale within the next week. The urgency is palpable, as Arteta plans his recruitment strategy for the transfer window.

Joan Garcia: A Promising Talent Arsenal's interest in Espanyol's Joan Garcia is not without reason. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has a EUR25 million release clause in his contract, making him an attractive target for the Gunners. FootballTransfers reports, "Arsenal have made Espanyol's Joan Garcia a top target should Aaron Ramsdale depart this transfer window."

Garcia's journey has been impressive. After joining Espanyol's academy in 2016, he struggled initially to secure regular game time. However, his perseverance paid off when he broke into the first team in March of this year. His remarkable performance, including seven clean sheets in 13 games, was instrumental in Espanyol's promotion through the play-offs.

The Raya Factor David Raya's arrival from Brentford has added a layer of complexity to Arsenal's goalkeeping scenario. Raya's consistent performances and his ability to play out from the back have earned him the trust of Arteta. This has relegated Ramsdale to a secondary role, further fuelling the uncertainty about his future at the club. As FootballTransfers notes, "Raya's consistent performances and ability to play out from the back impressed manager Arteta."

With Raya becoming a preferred choice in key matches, Ramsdale's position has become increasingly tenuous. This situation underscores the need for Arsenal to have a reliable backup plan, hence their interest in Joan Garcia.

Garcia's Loyalty and Future Prospects Despite the interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool, Garcia has remained committed to Espanyol. He recently stated, "I have always felt the love of the fans. Very happy that people are with me. And for that part (transfers), don't worry, I'm very good here and above all I would ask you to be calm and encourage us."

Garcia's current contract with Espanyol runs until June 2028, and his inclusion in Spain's 2024 Olympics squad highlights his rising profile.