Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, as the Spanish club’s sporting director, Fran Garagarza, admitted the 23-year-old could leave even if his release clause isn’t met.
The Gunners made a €20m bid for Garcia late in last summer’s transfer window after selling backup goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, but their approach was rejected.
Instead, Arsenal secured a loan deal for Bournemouth’s Neto, whose temporary stay expires at the end of the season.
With Arsenal expected to renew their interest in Garcia this summer, his contract details have come into focus. His current release clause stands at €25m (£20.7m), rising to €30m (£24.8m) in the final 15 days of the transfer window.
When asked whether Espanyol would insist on a club triggering the release clause to sanction a sale, Garagarza suggested they are open to reasonable offers, provided negotiations happen earlier in the window.
“Is it clause or nothing? No,” Garagarza told Pericos Marca. “If Arsenal come in the last week, then yes, it has to be the clause. But if a bid arrives on June 14 that is close in fixed and variable amounts, Espanyol will not say no.
“We can’t say no. If a club offers €8m for Joan Garcia, that’s a bad sale, 100%. But the key is knowing how we would reinvest that money. We have to plan for the future.”
Garcia himself is reportedly open to a summer departure, recognizing that a move could benefit both his career and Espanyol financially.
The Catalan club, currently hovering just one point above the relegation zone, may be forced to cash in on their talented goalkeeper as they navigate financial and sporting challenges.