Arsenal ‘Close’ to Signing Another La Liga Star to Join Martin Zubimendi – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Goalkeeping Future: Joan Garcia Emerges as Surprise Target in Pivotal Summer Rebuild

As the dust settles on Arsenal’s semi-final exit from the Champions League, attention has quickly turned to what promises to be one of the club’s most consequential transfer windows in recent memory. While headlines are understandably dominated by the pursuit of a marquee forward, The Independent has revealed a surprising but significant subplot in Arsenal’s recruitment strategy – the Gunners are close to signing Espanyol’s Joan Garcia to compete with David Raya.

This isn’t just about strengthening the squad – it’s about building a team capable of finally ending Arsenal’s long title drought.

Strategic Thinking in Goalkeeping Department

According to The Independent, Arsenal are “close to signing Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a challenger to David Raya.” On the face of it, a new goalkeeper may not seem like a priority after Raya secured the number one spot from Aaron Ramsdale, but Arteta’s decision reflects deeper tactical and structural thinking.

The Gunners know how quickly fortunes can turn in a 60+ game season. Raya has had strong moments but has also come under scrutiny in key matches, particularly during Arsenal’s Champions League campaign. By bringing in Garcia, Arteta ensures competitive depth while also nurturing a long-term replacement should Raya’s form dip – or should Brentford, his parent club, complicate a permanent deal.

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Garcia, still just 24, has emerged as one of La Liga’s most promising shot-stoppers. Agile, composed and tactically sharp, he is well-suited to Arsenal’s possession-based approach. His distribution, a non-negotiable under Arteta, is one of his standout qualities.

Arteta’s Relentless Pursuit of Marginal Gains

Much has been made of Arsenal’s injury woes and goal-scoring inefficiencies, but Arteta’s confidence in his project remains unshaken. As The Independent states, “He has never been more convinced his team is on the brink of glory.” That belief is grounded in tangible progress.

Garcia’s potential arrival, while not headline-grabbing, plays directly into Arteta’s obsession with control and versatility. “They didn’t even have a striker, and they still got so close,” The Independent reminds us about the PSG defeat. Margins matter – and Garcia could be a marginal gain in disguise.

It’s also a signal that Arsenal are thinking long-term. Ramsdale’s expected departure, paired with Raya’s inconsistent command of the area, leaves space for genuine competition. Garcia would push Raya, not just warm the bench.

PSR Pressure Driving Smarter Business

In a summer where financial fair play rules (PSR) loom over every decision, Arsenal’s approach has been refreshingly pragmatic. The club are refusing to chase £150m sagas like Alexander Isak, instead focusing on smart investments like Garcia and potentially Martin Zubimendi, already said to be “wrapped up”.

“There’s a belief it just creates a propensity for self-destruction,” says The Independent, commenting on Arsenal’s emotional volatility. But moves like this suggest a club learning from its past, shoring up areas that often go unnoticed when the bright lights of marquee transfers dominate headlines.

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Joan Garcia isn’t a flashy name – but he could prove invaluable when the margins tighten in April and May.

Competition Drives Standards

Beyond technical fit, Garcia’s signing represents a culture shift. Arteta has repeatedly spoken about maintaining intensity and accountability across all positions. No one is safe. “Anyone feeling that [self-pity] for too long will be discarded,” the article quotes the manager.

This is what keeps standards high. Garcia’s arrival would raise the bar for Raya and ensure that Arsenal aren’t caught out if injuries strike again – as they have, repeatedly, across the last two seasons.

With over half the first-choice XI missing large spells, Arteta needs more than 11 reliable players. He needs 22. Garcia’s presence would ensure Arsenal have two high-quality options between the sticks, not one and a backup.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

There’s something quietly thrilling about Arsenal’s rumoured move for Joan Garcia. While most fans are refreshing Twitter for news on strikers like Sesko or Nico Williams, this potential signing screams smart squad building.

For too long, Arsenal have lacked genuine competition in goal. Ramsdale, despite his personality, plateaued. Raya has done well but hasn’t yet convinced every fan he’s a long-term solution. Garcia’s addition feels like the kind of sharp, under-the-radar signing title-winning sides make – think Alisson and Kelleher at Liverpool, or Ederson’s initial duel with Bravo at City.

Also – let’s be real – goalkeepers win titles. From Lehmann’s invincible year to Emi Martinez’s late surge in 2020, Arsenal’s best seasons have had goalkeepers capable of the extraordinary.

Garcia, with his reflexes and calm presence, looks like a keeper with a very high ceiling. If he signs, don’t be surprised if he’s starting in the Champions League by next spring.

It’s moves like these – thoughtful, low-risk, high-upside – that turn good teams into great ones.