Report: Arsenal Likely to Table Bid for “Great” Player Who Once Agreed to Join the Club

Arsenal is reportedly on the verge of making a bid for a player valued at £26 million next year, following his previous agreement to join Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.

The north London club’s transfer strategy, overseen by sporting director Edu Gaspar, is actively progressing for the upcoming season, with various players already linked to Arsenal in the rumor mill.

It is believed that the club are looking to acquire a new number nine in January and is contemplating a “big money” offer, according to TEAMtalk.

However, the final decision on whom to pursue remains uncertain, as their shortlist reportedly features Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

Arsenal decided not to pursue a striker during the summer transfer window, placing their trust in Kai Havertz for that position. However, it seems that acquiring a new centre-forward is a priority for the upcoming year.

In addition to not signing a forward, Arsenal also failed to finalise a deal for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The Spanish player, who has a £26 million release clause in his contract, reportedly agreed to join the club and reached a handshake agreement on personal terms.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Garcia even commented on his failed move to Arsenal, insisting he wasn’t distracted.

“During the entire market I was quite isolated,” he said.

“I was at the Olympic Games and when I arrived La Liga was already starting. The last few days were more intense, but I was very isolated, focusing on what I had to do, which is the field. I managed not to get distracted.

“Regarding my continuity, I am very happy that people are happy that I have stayed. I have worked all these years for this – playing with Espanyol in the First Division – and this is how it is. I hope to take advantage of it.”

The Gunners secured Neto on loan from Bournemouth to serve as the backup goalkeeper for Aaron Ramsdale. However, this move doesn’t indicate that they’ve lost interest in Garcia; quite the opposite.

Arsenal “Highly Likely” to Bid for Joan Garcia in 2025

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are “highly likely” to pursue a bid for Garcia in 2025, even after failing to secure a deal this past summer and signing Neto instead.

The Gunners remain interested in the 23-year-old, who played for Spain during the recent Olympics in Paris, and have specifically identified Garcia as their top choice for a backup behind David Raya.

Arsenal have established a solid working relationship with both the player and his representatives, having previously negotiated terms with them, which suggests this situation is worth monitoring closely.

“There have been movements. We have had to work hard. There have been conversations, situations to work through. Situations to handle,” said Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza.

“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.”

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