EPL club convinced trump card could help them pip Arsenal to 23y/o star recently compared to Messi

Arsenal will face competition from Bournemouth for the services of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, according to The Times.

The Gunners have been tracking the 23-year-old Spaniard for months as they look to sign a quality cover for David Raya, and his performances this term have impressed them and attracted more suitors to him.

Garcia has made the most saves (127) in La Liga this season, emerging as the man of the match when his club stunned Real Madrid in February, and his manager Manolo Gonzalez recently compared him to Lionel Messi due to his impact.

Landing such a player will be huge for Arsenal, but Bournemouth hope the prospect of more regular first-team football at this early stage of his career could be persuasive.

Aston Villa could also be ready to offer him a spot in their starting XI if Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez leaves in the summer after he received a proposal from Saudi Arabia with a salary well above what he can be offered in Europe.

Real Madrid are also said to be keen on Garcia as they prepare for the possibility of losing second-choice goalie Andriy Lunin.

Arsenal are expected to let Neto return to Bournemouth after his loan spell ends at the end of the season, and they need worthy competition and cover for Raya.

Garcia fits the bill as he is also comfortable on the ball, but convincing him to leave Espanyol and reject other suitors for them could prove tricky.

Winning the Champions League could boost their chances of landing the Spain youth international, and they need to beat Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday to keep their dreams alive.

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