Director admits his side had to ‘fight hard’ to hold on to ‘great’ Arsenal target

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Arsenal made a late attempt to sign a backup goalkeeper this summer and eventually settled on Bournemouth’s Norberto Neto.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal struck a late deal for Bournemouth’s Neto with just hours left of the transfer window as the club looked for a backup goalkeeper with Aaron Ramsdale heading to Southampton on a permanent deal.

The Gunners landed on the Brazilian but Arsenal had agreed terms with Joan Garcia to sign the goalkeeper from RCD Espanyol but the Gunners couldn’t get the deal over the line.

Espanyol increased Garcia’s release clause to £30 million which is something that the Gunners could seemingly not afford.

Espanyol’s president responds to Joan Garcia transfer

Mikel Arteta’s side wanted García to be a backup for former Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and refused to invest €30m to sign him. However, they made an approach to sign the Spain U23 international in the last window.

Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza spoke to the reporters on Monday, and his quotes are relayed by Sport.

“There have been movements. We have had to work hard. There have been conversations, situations to work through. Situations to handle,” he said.

“We are dealing with a great goalkeeper, but we are also dealing with a great person. His behaviour, his poise, his harmony and his tone of voice… for me, he’s top 10. That’s what I’ll take from him.”

As well as Garagoza’s statement, Espanyol’s president Mao Ye has also had his say on Garcia remaining in Spain.

“As far as Joan García is concerned, we think it is the best thing for the club and for him. After a great season, he will be in a better position to assess his professional career,” Mao told Mundo Deportivo.

Arsenal chose Neto over Garcia

Arsenal were prepared to allow Ramsdale to leave the club on loan and Wolves were previously keen but Russell Martin’s side made their move for the Englishman.

The Gunners decided that Neto was to be the man who could provide cover for Raya and the fact that Arsenal have only signed the Brazilian on loan perhaps suggest they will make another attempt to sign Garcia in the future.

Arsenal were also keen on former goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny before he announced his retirement, but the Gunners will surely come back in for Garcia in the future.