Big boost as Arsenal can now sign 23-year-old star for £21m before January 16 – report | OneFootball

Arsenal have the opportunity to sign Joan Garcia for a discount at the start of the January transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo (page 16).

The Gunners had identified Garcia as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale over the summer, but they did not have sufficient time to negotiate with Espanyol.

Garcia’s release clause increased from £21 million to £25 million on August 16, but Arsenal made an offer worth £16.7m which was rejected by the La Liga club.

With limited time before the transfer deadline, Arsenal did not make an improved proposal and instead opted to sign Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Arsenal continue to remain admirers of Garcia and Mundo Deportivo claim that his release clause will be lowered to £21m at the start of the winter transfer window.

The valuation will increase again to £25m from January 16 until the transfer deadline (February 3). Mikel Arteta’s side are most interested in securing his services.

Arsenal could consider January swoop for Garcia

The 23-year-old had agreed personal terms in principle with the Gunners last summer, but a deal failed to materialise as Espanyol did not accept less than his buy-out clause.

Arsenal were also unwilling to pay £25m for the Olympic gold medalist, but the scenario could be different in early January with his clause dropping back to £21m.

Garcia played a big role in Espanyol’s promotion in the second half of last season and he has continued to impress for the Catalonian club with a save percentage of 77%.

The Spaniard ace has also excelled with his ball recoveries and long balls. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners make a renewed approach at the turn of the year.

Garcia’s clause could increase to around £29.5m if he is called up by Spain in the near future. With this in mind, Arsenal need to be pro-active and secure a winter deal.

Stats from Sofascore.com