Exclusive: Arsenal still hold interest in £25m player who wanted to join them in the summer

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Arsenal’s squad has been left looking rather bare following a string of frustrating injury issues to emerge over recent weeks.

Mikel Arteta’s side remain well within the hunt for the Premier League title following their draw on the weekend against Liverpool.

However, there may be some questions being asked as to whether enough was done over the summer at Arsenal to really bolster their squad.

Paul Scholes has said Martin Odegaard’s injury at Arsenal is a huge issue with the Gunners relying on some of their younger options now.

One position which Arsenal did add to over the summer was between the sticks with Neto brought in on loan for the season.

But TBR Football understands that Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia remains in Arsenal’s sights for 2025.

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Arsenal keen to sign Joan Garcia in 2025

The north London outfit were forced to settle for Bournemouth’s Neto on deadline day after failing to land Garcia from Espanyol.

Arsenal’s scouts and goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana put a real focus on the 23-year-old goalkeeper as he was their preferred choice to become David Raya’s backup.

Despite Arsenal agreeing terms with Garcia to join over the summer, the deal fell through with the Gunners unwilling to meet his €30m (£25m) release clause.

With Neto only an option for the short-term, Edu Gaspar has been keeping an eye on Garcia with Arsenal continuing to monitor his situation in La Liga.

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Arsenal also monitoring Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson

Garcia is not Arsenal’s only option, however. The Gunners have already experienced how difficult the deal for the Spaniard could prove to be next summer.

And, with this in mind, TBR Football understands Arsenal have been keeping an eye on Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson.

The Black Cats have been the standout side in the Championship so far this season as they lead the push for a spot in next season’s Premier League.

Their homegrown talent, Patterson, has played a big part in their success with six clean sheets kept in his 11 league appearances.

A lot may be resting on whether Sunderland do actually secure promotion ahead of the summer with Patterson now 24-years-old having racked up 134 appearances on Wearside.