García at the center of transfer battle: Arsenal and Bayer ready to fight for Espanyol goalkeeper

Joan García is expected to receive numerous transfer offers at the end of the 2024/25 season, as Espanyol fights for survival in La Liga.

After a sensational victory over Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol has a five-point cushion over the relegation zone, but if the club is relegated, García's departure will become almost inevitable.

Arsenal is actively linked with García, who recently debuted for the Spanish national team. The Londoners see him as a backup goalkeeper for David Raya in the 2025/26 season.

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Previously, it was reported that Arsenal planned to sign García at the end of the summer transfer window, but Espanyol made it clear that a deal was only possible with the full payment of a 25 million euro release clause.

There was no interest in January, but now Arsenal is ready to offer a deal slightly below the release clause, which could drop to 15 million euros if Espanyol is relegated.

Serious competition comes from Bayer Leverkusen, who also intend to sign García. Xabi Alonso wants to strengthen the team to challenge Bayern in the 2025/26 season.

This could lead to a transfer battle between Arteta and Alonso, despite their long-standing friendship.