Manchester City will compete with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Newcastle United to sign 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Joan Garcia is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are in a spot of bother over Ederson’s long-term future. So, the Espanyol goalkeeper has emerged as a target for the Premier League club, with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Newcastle United also vying for his signature.

Joan Garcia and his rapid rise to stardom

Joan Garcia has not taken long to establish himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in his homeland. The Spaniard enjoyed his breakthrough at RCD Espanyol in the 2023/24 season and has gone from strength to strength in only two campaigns. He has also won the Olympic gold medal in that time, going all the way with Spain in Paris last summer.

The 24-year-old has turned out over 50 times thus far for Espanyol while keeping 21 clean sheets and conceding 72 goals. Meanwhile, Garcia’s progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Arsenal, Barcelona, Newcastle United, and Manchester City are the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

A man in demand

Arsenal attempted to sign the Spanish goalkeeper last summer before they failed to secure a deal with Espanyol. The continued interest makes sense, as Neto will return to Bournemouth after his loan spell ends. So, Garcia is a viable target for Arsenal. As for Barcelona, the newly crowned La Liga champions are in the pole position to land the Espanyol stopper.

With Marc-Andre ter Stegen becoming error-prone and Wojciech Szczesny in the twilight of his career, the Catalan giants need a new goalkeeper. So, Joan Garcia has emerged as a target for Barcelona. Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s interest in the Olympic gold medalist makes sense amid Nick Pope’s recent fitness issues.

As for Manchester City, the Citizens are the latest to join the race for the Spaniard’s signature. The Premier League giants are in a spot of bother over Ederson Moraes’s long-term future amid his links with Saudi Pro League clubs. So Garcia is an option worth considering for Manchester City.

The Spanish goalkeeper has a release clause worth €25 million in his contract with Espanyol. The valuation makes the 24-year-old an appealing target for his suitors. However, with Barcelona in the pole position, it will be interesting to see if Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle United can overcome the competition.