While Arsenal appear to have got their most important business done already, The Emirates could still see some activity on deadline day.
The Gunners announced the £32 million signing of Mikel Merino this week, the Euro 2024 winner and one of the finest all-round midfielders on the continent joining Riccardo Calafiori in North London.
But with Aaron Ramsdale set for Southampton – HITC understands that The Saints have reached an agreement after a deal for Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow collapsed – Arsenal are in the market for a back-up goalkeeper to provide competition for number one David Raya.
HITC have been told that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia. His manager, however, remains confident that the former Spain Under 21 ace will be staying in Catalonia beyond Friday’s 11pm deadline.
Another name to keep an eye on is that of Sam Tickle.
The Wigan Athletic shot-stopper who, per The Athletic, also finds himself on Arsenal’s radar.
Arsenal linked with Sam Tickle of Wigan Athletic
Tickle, a Warrington-born 22-year-old, was named Wigan’s Player of the Year after a fine 2023/24.
And Latics boss Shaun Maloney is counting down the minutes until 11pm, desperate to see the first name on his team sheet stick around.
“There’s absolutely no news to bring you on Sam,” Maloney said on Thursday, via Football League World. “And I certainly hope it stays that way.
“Obviously anything can happen in football, and you always have to plan for certain scenarios. Some of our young players have done so well, but Sam is now an England Under-21 international, and you look at some of the other goalkeepers there…”
James Trafford, the man between the sticks when England won the Under 21 European Championships last year, swapped Manchester City for Burnley in a deal worth £19 million.
Tickle will not earn Wigan quite such a substantial fee, however, given their third-tier status.
“He’s a brilliant goalkeeper and a brilliant guy,” Maloney adds. “What he’s done here in the last 12 months is unbelievable really.
“When I came here 18 months ago, there was very little plan for him. He was third choice. And what he’s done since I’ve been here has been massive credit to him, and hopefully he’s in the next England Under-21 squad.
“In the meantime, whatever happens, happens. Hopefully very little, because I’m desperate for him to stay.”
Arsenal eye Neto with Espanyol keen to keep Joan Garcia
As things stand, the goalkeeper most likely to arrive at Arsenal before the window shuts is Bournemouth veteran Neto, HITC has been told.
Formerly of Fiorentina, Valencia, Juventus and Barcelona, Neto could leave Bournemouth following the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Mikel Arteta’s Premier League challengers are keen to bring him in on loan.
This comes after Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez expressed his confidence at keeping Joan Garcia until the winter at least.
“I can’t do anything. If they pay the (release) clause, we can’t do anything,” Gonzalez told Marca after Garcia kept a clean sheet in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid.
“I’m very happy that he’s here. It’s a luxury to have a player like him.”
“I say it every week, I don’t think he’ll leave. If I eat (my words), I’ll eat (my words). But it’s difficult for someone to pay a 30 million (euro) clause,” Gonzalez adds. “If someone wants him, they should pay the clause.
“I can’t say any more.”
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