Real Madrid ask £21m Arsenal target ‘to delay summer transfer’

Arsenal face competition from Real Madrid to sign Joan Garcia (Getty)

Real Madrid have entered the race with Arsenal to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to reports in Spain.

The 24-year-old has attracted widespread interest following his impressive performances in La Liga and is expected to leave Espanyol in the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal’s bid for Garcia was rejected by Espanyol last summer, but Mikel Arteta’s side have retained their interest and are in the market to sign a new goalkeeper to provide competition for David Raya.

But according to El Periodico, Real Madrid have now made an approach for Garcia as they are open to moving on their back-up goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, at the end of the season.

The report claims that Madrid contacted Garcia’s representatives a few weeks ago to declare their interest and view him as a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois, who turned 33 earlier this month.

Joan Garcia has a €25m (£21m) release clause in his deal with Espanyol (Shutterstock)

Madrid are said to have told Garcia’s camp: ‘We are interested in Joan. Don’t rush, and if there is a firm offer, talk to us before making any decision.’

Garcia has a €25m (£21m) release clause in his deal with Espanyol, but that will rise to €30m (£25.2m) if he called up to Spain’s national team.

Aston Villa are also interested in Garcia as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who is likely to leave this summer.

The World Cup-winning goalkeeper had tears in his eyes as he waved at Villa’s supporters in their final home game of the season last Friday.

Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for the 32-year-old, who joined Villa in a £20m deal from Arsenal in September 2020.

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