Report: Arsenal told they can sign 'extraordinary' player below his release clause as unknown details emerge

Arsenal made four signings in the 2024 summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta fine-tuned his squad in the hope of sustaining another Premier League title challenge.

Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori joined the club on permanent deals, while Raheem Sterling and Neto were snapped up on loan on deadline day.

The Gunners’ goalkeeping department, in particular, went through a bit of an overhaul in the summer.

Aaron Ramsdale joined Southampton permanently and Karl Hein was sent on loan to Real Sociedad in search of regular game time.

Neto was the only goalkeeper who joined the club as backup for David Raya, but the Brazilian was more of a fallback option after they had missed out on their primary targets.

And now, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal stand the chance of signing a goalkeeper they really wanted for below his release clause.

Arsenal can sign Joan Garcia on the cheap

Arsenal tried and failed to sign Joan Garcia in the summer transfer window as Espanyol refused to part with him unless his £25m release clause was triggered.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who has been dubbed as an ‘extraordinary’ player by former Espanyol boss Luis Garcia, has started the season in fine form, establishing himself as one the best goalkeepers in La Liga.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Garcia’s release clause will drop down to £20m in the January transfer window, although it will rise to £25m again after January 15th.

The same report also states that the goalkeeper’s value will increase to £25m if he’s called up by Spain, which is yet to happen so far under Luis de la Fuente.

Garcia’s contract terms are unusual but if Arsenal get their way, they will stand the chance of signing him for £20m and it remains to be seen if they pursue a move for him.

What next for Arsenal’s goalkeeping options?

Neto is unlikely to be snapped up permanently unless the situation changes dramatically as he was more of a stop-gap signing on deadline day.

Hein could return to the club and take his place in the squad, but the Gunners would still need another player in that position as every top-flight side usually has three goalkeeping options in the squad.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Alex Meret, whose contract with Napoli runs out at the end of the season.

Whether it’s Meret, Garcia, or someone else, Mikel Arteta is very likely to dip into the market for a goalkeeper in 2025.

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