Arsenal must now speed up talks to sign 24yo star compared to Messi after Aston Villa interest - opinion

Arsenal must speed up talks to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer amid interest from Aston Villa.

The Gunners are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old. They were keen on signing him as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale last summer.

The club had verbally agreed on personal terms with the shot-stopper, but a delayed exit for Ramsdale meant there was no room for negotiations.

Espanyol turned down Arsenal’s £17 million offer before deadline day.

The La Liga outfit refused to sanction his exit for less than his buy-out clause, which increased from £21m to £25m for the last 15 days of the transfer window.

The Gunners ended up recruiting Neto from Bournemouth on loan, but the club are expected to make a renewed approach for Garcia in the coming days.

Manager Mikel Arteta personally pushed for Garcia’s transfer last year, and reports claim that Arsenal are in ‘pole position‘ to sign him ahead of other suitors.

Garcia also aims to join Arsenal, but the club can’t be complacent amid interest from Villa.

Unai Emery’s side look poised to part ways with Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine is the subject of high-profile interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Garcia is one of the options under consideration to replace the World Cup winner, and we won’t be surprised if Villa make a formal approach soon.

Villa could guarantee Garcia a starting role in the Premier League, which may not happen at Arsenal. David Raya is unlikely to be displaced from the XI.

Arsenal previously agreed on personal terms with the Catalonia-born star, and we believe the club must speed up talks with Espanyol to secure an early transfer deal.

Garcia is one of the best shot-stoppers in La Liga. Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez has compared him with Lionel Messi and believes he can be a ‘world reference’.

The 24-year-old has the attributes to become a world-class shot-stopper. He has superb reflexes and has made 139 saves in the Spanish top-flight this term with a success rate of 75 percent.

The Spaniard has also impressed with his ball-playing ability and high claims in the box. In our view, he could become Arsenal’s first-choice keeper ahead of Raya in the long term.

Arsenal can’t miss out on Garcia due to his high potential. They must negotiate a quick summer deal to ensure that Villa or any other club don’t beat them to Garcia’s signature.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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