Arsenal are set for a bustling transfer deadline day with multiple deals on the horizon. While the Gunners have already made significant moves this transfer window, they aren’t finished yet. Eddie Nketiah’s transfer to Crystal Palace remains pending, and Aaron Ramsdale’s move to Southampton also needs finalization.
Amidst these ongoing deals, Arsenal are actively seeking new signings and are engaged in negotiations with several players on their wishlist. Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on one of these potential signings on Playback.
Arsenal are specifically looking for a new goalkeeper on deadline day. Ramsdale has been granted permission to leave, and if all goes as planned, he is expected to be officially announced as a Southampton player by the end of the day.
Should Ramsdale’s transfer proceed, Arsenal will need to find a replacement, and they have been linked with several candidates. One notable name is Joan Garcia, a highly regarded Spanish goalkeeper whose recent performances for Espanyol have garnered attention from various European clubs.
Arsenal made an initial bid for Garcia on Thursday, which was rejected. They followed up with another offer later that day, but this, too, was declined. According to Romano’s late-night update, Arsenal plan to make another attempt to secure Garcia early on deadline day.
Romano noted, “Arsenal will try again for Joan Garcia in the morning, from what I understand. They haven’t told Espanyol or the player’s agents ‘stop, we signed Neto, bye!’ This hasn’t happened. But early in the morning, or possibly overnight, Arsenal will try once more for Garcia.”
If Espanyol insists on the release clause for Garcia, Arsenal are prepared to finalize a deal for Neto as a backup option. Neto, the captain of Bournemouth, is a secondary target. Romano revealed that Arsenal and Bournemouth have agreed on a loan deal for Neto, without any option or obligation to buy. Neto has also settled on personal terms with Arsenal.
The situation now hinges on Espanyol’s response. Arsenal’s strategy on deadline day involves securing their top choice, Garcia, but they have a clear contingency plan with Neto if necessary.
