With the futures of David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale in doubt, Arsenal are set to sign a new goalkeeper.

David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale are currently Arsenal’s two top goalkeepers. Photo: ARS

Arsenal is preparing to complete a deal with Espanyol star Joan Garcia to make him the Gunners’ first summer 2024 signing.

The Spanish goalkeeper has attracted a lot of interest this summer, including from the Premier League giants. And Arsenal are likely to win the race. According to reports in Spain, the 23-year-old will soon be announced as a new signing for The Gunners.

However, it is still unclear how much Arsenal will pay Espanyol for Garcia’s services. The 23-year-old goalkeeper still has a four-year contract with the La Liga club.

Joan Garcia contributed greatly to helping Espanyol promote to play in La Liga next season. Photo: Espanyol Club

Garcia made 21 appearances in all competitions for Espanyol last season as they secured promotion to La Liga. At the end of the season, the goalkeeper remained tight-lipped when asked about his future.

“I always feel the love of the fans. I am happy that everyone is with me. As for my future, stay calm” – said the Spanish goalkeeper.

If Arsenal reach an agreement with Garcia, coach Mikel Arteta may have a difficult decision to make. David Raya, after an impressive 2023-2024 season on loan, is expected to be bought permanently by Arsenal from Brentford. “Gunners” will have to spend about 27 million pounds on this deal.

“Those conversations are for after the season. We will review the players’ positions. Obviously, we are really happy with David Raya and everything he has brought to the club. club. There is no debate about that. But the decisions about the future are made by many members of the board and we will wait and see” – Arteta said at the end of last season.

David Raya was Arteta’s number 1 choice last season. Photo: ARS

Aaron Ramsdale also faces an uncertain future at the Emirates. The goalkeeper is no longer in Arteta’s favour following the arrival of Raya in goal.

The England goalkeeper has been linked with a number of other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle. The Magpies are said to be ready to “rescue” Ramsdale. However, according to British media, Newcastle are now prioritizing the signing of James Trafford from Burnley.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper has just two years left on his Arsenal contract and is in a predicament over his future despite Arteta’s defence. “An offer? There is a big reality that Aaron Ramsdale will be here because he is our player and has a contract,” said the Spaniard.

Ramsdale is likely to leave Arsenal. Photo: AFP

In addition to the goalkeeper, Arsenal have also been linked with strikers this summer. Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres are among their potential recruits.

The Gunners will soon be touring the US to prepare for the new season. They will meet Manchester United on July 28 before facing Liverpool three days later.