While many an Arsenal fan was dreaming of a last-ditch attempt at a centre-forward, deadline day at the Emirates was all about goalkeepers rather than goalscorers.
After Southampton’s deal for Feyenoord glovesman Justin Bijlow collapsed due to an issue discovered in his medical, Russell Martin’s side shifted their focus instead to Aaron Ramsdale.
Of course, Arsenal would need a replacement if they were to let their number two – perhaps the best back-up goalkeeper in the Premier League – return to the South Coast. And, eventually, they would seal a deal for the highly-experienced former AFC Bournemouth captain Norberto Neto.
At the age of 35, and having operated as a number two before for Juventus, Barcelona and with the Brazilian national team, veteran Neto is likely to have fewer qualms than Ramsdale did about a benchwarming role under Mikel Arteta.
It should suit a man entering the autumn days of his career. Certainly more so than a 23-year-old shot-stopper who’s development would surely be stunted by being restricted to the odd Carabao Cup cameo.
Arsenal signed Neto after targeting Espanyol’s Joan Garcia
Joan Garcia – 12 years Neto’s junior – was the goalkeeper Arsenal wanted to take Ramsdale’s place initially.
HITC understands that the London giants, who had also been linked with Wigan’s Sam Tickle, agreed personal terms with the RCD Espanyol talisman.
Much to the delight of Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez, however, the La Liga newcomers refused to bow down and accept defeat.
Retaining Garcia, Spain’s Olympic gold medal winning shot-stopper, could prove to be the difference between survival in the top flight and an immediate return to the Segunda after all.
Now, speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Garcia opened up on that aborted switch to Arsenal for the first time.
And, despite having agreed terms with the Premier League runners’ up, he is hardly devastated at the prospect of 12 more months at the club who gave him his shot in the game.
“I was pretty isolated throughout the transfer window. I was at the (Olympic) Games and, when I arrived, the league was already starting,” Garcia recalls, pleased to put a hectic and uncertain summer behind him.
“The last few days were more intense. I was very isolated, focusing on what I needed, which was the pitch. I managed not to get distracted.
“I want to enjoy this season, knowing that it will be difficult. I have worked hard to get to this, and it would be a waste of time if I don’t enjoy it. I want to achieve my goals and have a good season for everyone.
“I couldn’t afford to have my mind off things. (The transfer rumours) come to me, but I have to be very calm and with my mind where it should be.”
Premier League giants had £21 million bid rejected
Via Podcast Inkubator on YouTube, Joan Garcia’s agent confirmed that the decision not to progress with those Arsenal talks was not down to the player’s camp but the result of Espanyol’s desire to keep their Catalan-born fan favourite at the RCDE Stadium.
“I have a goalkeeper in Espanyol, Joan Garcia. I’m his agent,” Andy Bara explains, highlighting just how far his client has come in such a short space of time.
“On Transfermarkt, I think his value is 800,000 euros. I had an offer from Arsenal on deadline day for 25 million euros.
“We were negotiating the whole week about that but Espanyol didn’t want to let him go.”
Arsenal’s own number one – David Raya – could be in for a busy afternoon against Manchester City on Sunday. He kept another clean sheet in the 1-0 North London derby win at Tottenham thanks to arguably Europe’s best centre-half pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
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