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Fabrizio Romano has revealed it is an “open race” for Manchester United target Joan Garcia after it was previously believed Arsenal had been close to agreeing a deal to sign the Spanish goalkeeper.
Garcia, 24, has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in La Liga after a series of impressive performances between the sticks for Espanyol.
No one has made more saves in Spain than Garcia this season, with his form earning him praise as the “most in-form goalkeeper” in Europe. A double penalty save in one match against Mallorca in March was particularly eye-catching.
By contrast, United’s goalkeepers have endured a miserable campaign with both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir making a series of calamitous errors when selected by Ruben Amorim.
However, the club do not consider a new goalkeeper a priority this summer with the bulk of the budget set to be directed towards improving the forward line, despite Amorim requesting a new option in goal.
This does not rule out a signing, as Bayindir is expected to be sold while Tom Heaton may retire, but significant funds will not be used to secure one.
But this is why Garcia – whose contract with Espanyol contains a £21 million release clause – should be an urgent priority for the Red Devils, as The Peoples Person explains here.
The 24-year-old is an excellent option, who combines the attributes modern football demands from a goalkeeper with superb conventional shot-stopping, at an affordable price.
This attractive pairing of price and profile has put Garcia on the wish list of a host of clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Bournemouth, as well as United.
It had been thought Arsenal were leading the race to sign Garcia after the Gunners had progressed with a deal the furthest. But Romano insists it is still an “open race” for the Spaniard with “several clubs showing interest”.
The Italian transfer guru reveals Aston Villa are “expected to sell” number one Emiliano Martinez this summer, with Garcia mooted as a key target to replace the Argentinian international.
There is little chance of Garcia arriving at the Emirates to take over from David Raya with his fellow Spaniard enjoying a brilliant campaign for Arsenal. And this prospect – becoming an immediate first-choice – could prove decisive in the Villans’ bid to secure his signature.
But it would be a similar case at Old Trafford if United ramp up their interest in Garcia as the 24-year-old would be rivalling Onana or Bayindir – a competition any self-respecting goalkeeper should be confident of winning.
The Red Devils must act quickly and decisively to beat their Premier League rivals in the race for Garcia. This is strengthened be the fact that the goalkeeper’s release clause will rise to £25 million as the summer window progresses.
Speed is of the essence to secure an important upgrade in a problem position for Amorim before someone else does.
Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images
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