Barcelona step in for Joan García as Arsenal risk losing out again

With Joan García expected to leave Espanyol this summer, the 24-year-old goalkeeper has attracted serious interest from across Europe. Arsenal, who failed in their efforts to sign him last year, remain keen on the Spanish shot-stopper. But this time, Barcelona are seeking to act swiftly and secure the deal before others can.

Barcelona’s plan: sign now, loan later

According to Cadena SER, Barcelona intend to sign García and then loan him out to another La Liga club for the 2025/26 season. The club currently have no immediate plans to part ways with Marc-André ter Stegen or Wojciech Szczęsny, but see García as a long-term solution for the post-Ter Stegen era.

García is known to prioritise a project where he can challenge for the starting role immediately — a factor that could make Barcelona’s phased integration plan more appealing than it seems at first glance. Still, there are voices who believe the lack of guaranteed minutes could work against Barça in the final decision.

Arsenal back in the race, with Chelsea and Real Madrid among suitors

Despite failing to land him last summer, Arsenal’s recruitment team continue to view García as an ideal fit. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners are not alone in their pursuit: Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Bayer Leverkusen, and Napoli have all registered interest in the Espanyol keeper.

A key factor driving this competition is García’s release clause, set at €25 million. Espanyol’s survival in La Liga and García’s omission from Spain’s Nations League squad have made the clause more realistic for clubs seeking value in the market.

Espanyol coach: “A Barcelona move would surprise me”

Espanyol manager Manolo González shared candid thoughts about García’s future:

“I know he has an emotional link to Barcelona, but I don’t think he’ll go there. Ter Stegen is firmly established, and Barcelona are our historic rivals. I want him to join a team where he can play regularly — not sit and wait for his turn.”

González also acknowledged that the final decision rests with the player and that if the release clause is activated, Espanyol would have no power to block the move.

García’s decision will shape the outcome

Ultimately, García’s next step will come down to playing time. The goalkeeper is focused on becoming a regular starter — a priority that could favour clubs like Arsenal, who are in a better position to offer an immediate starting role. That preference could influence whether Barcelona’s long-term project is accepted or declined.