Real Madrid could face Arsenal battle for €25 million-rated Spanish goalkeeper | OneFootball

Andriy Lunin enjoyed his breakthrough campaign at Real Madrid this past season but his future at the club is still far from certain.

The 25-year-old might be unwilling to settle for a place on the bench again with Thibaut Courtois reclaiming the No. 1 spot and as such, an exit remains a possibility.

In fact, Real Madrid are preparing a contingency in that situation and have identified RCD Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a possible replacement.

But, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe could face competition in the race for the 23-year-old Spaniard.

Arsenal interested in Joan Garcia

Indeed, as per Gerard Romero (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Joan Garcia from RCD Espanyol.

As such, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners could end up rivalling Real Madrid in pursuit of the shot-stopper if Los Blancos do go after him this summer. A number of other Premier League clubs are also understood to be keen.

Garcia, 23, played an integral role in RCD Espanyol achieving promotion back to La Liga but might not get a chance to play for them in the Spanish top flight if the interest from other clubs continues to persist.

It is believed that the goalkeeper has a release clause worth €25 million in his contract which clubs in the Premier League would see as affordable.

Garcia, for his part, recently admitted that he is very happy at Espanyol, saying: “I have always felt this affection from the fans. I’m very happy that the fans are with me. I’m very well here and above all I would ask them to be calm and to cheer us on.”

But with growing interest in his services and teams from England viewing his release clause as affordable, an exit may end up materialising.

As for Real Madrid, if they lose Lunin and miss out on Garcia as well, they could end up re-signing Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.