Arsenal to launch Joan Garcia move after Southampton agree Aaron Ramsdale deal | OneFootball

Spain Under-21 international is the Gunners’ preferred target to now back up compatriot David Raya

Arsenal are set to launch an imminent late transfer swoop for Joan Garcia after agreeing the sale of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton.

Espanyol’s highly-rated Spain Under-21 international had been established as the Gunners’ firm No1 option to reinforce their goalkeeping department in the event of an exit for Ramsdale before Friday night’s summer transfer deadline.

Arsenal will now move for Garcia swiftly after striking a deal with Southampton for Ramsdale on Wednesday night that will see the newly-promoted Saints pay an initial £18million up front, with a further £1m dependent on their Premier League survival this term. Additional add-ons could see the deal eventually worth around £25m.

Arsenal also want a new homegrown option as their No3 goalkeeper behind first-choice David Raya - who completed a permanent £27m switch from London rivals Brentford earlier this summer following a successful season-long loan spell at the Emirates Stadium - and potentially Garcia, with Karl Hein joining Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on loan earlier this month and Arthur Okonkwo signing for Wrexham following the expiration of his contract.

Chain reaction: Arsenal will move for Joan Garcia after agreeing to sell Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton

Getty Images

The Gunners previously saw a bid rejected by Wolves for Dan Bentley, while reports suggest they are now interested in a deal for Wigan’s Sam Tickle.

Southampton turned their attentions to Ramsdale after seeing a move for Feyenoord’s Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow collapse earlier this week following rumoured issues with his medical.

The 26-year-old had also attracted interest from the likes of Ajax, Bournemouth and Wolves after returning from Euro 2024 with England, having previously served as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper after joining from Sheffield United in 2021 but later demoted to a back-up role by manager Mikel Arteta following the arrival of Raya.

Ramsdale will hope to make his Southampton debut this weekend if the move goes through in time, with Russell Martin’s Championship play-off winners looking to bounce back from narrow defeats by Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to begin their Premier League return as they travel to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.