Barcelona huge admirers of €25 million Arsenal target playing for bitter rivals – report | OneFootball

The goalkeeping department at FC Barcelona could be set for some changes before the next season kicks off.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is making great progress in his recovery from a knee injury, is expected to reclaim the No. 1 spot once he returns – which could happen before the end of this season.

As for his backup, there may be a change incoming as Inaki Pena’s future is up in the air after he has fallen behind emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny in Hansi Flick’s pecking order.

The La Masia graduate’s contract expires next year and could move on in the summer, leaving an open spot in the goalkeeping department.

Barcelona like Joan Garcia

Amidst the situation, journalist Sique Rodriguez reports that Barcelona are great admirers of Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia who plays for their bitter local rivals RCD Espanyol.

The 23-year-old shot-stopper has become a key player for Manolo Gonzalez’s side. After proving himself in the Segunda Division last season, he has taken on greater responsibility this term in La Liga.

Joan Garcia on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

So far, the Spaniard has kept four clean sheets for a team battling relegation, and his saves are proving crucial in their fight for survival. His performances have not gone unnoticed in Barcelona camp.

Due to financial constraints, Espanyol will likely be forced to sell him before June 30 to unlock the 1:1 spending rule and begin a squad rebuild.

A summer move to Barcelona unlikely

However, if Barcelona intend to sign Garcia, they must act swiftly as the goalkeeper is also attracting significant interest from Arsenal, who are ready to offer €25 million to sign him.

PSG manager Luis Enrique is also monitoring the 2024 Olympics Gold winner.

Furthermore, as things stand, it appears that Barça are planning to offer Szczesny, whose contract expires this summer, a one-year extension to keep him for one more season.

In that scenario, Barcelona’s strategy for the goalkeeping department next season would be to bank on Ter Stegen and Szczesny, making a summer move for Joan Garcia unlikely at this point.