Arsenal target looks back on failed summer transfer

Arsenal summer transfer target Joan Garcia has revealed he didn't allow himself to be distracted by speculation about his future, deliberately keeping himself "isolated" from it.

Garcia emerged as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates Stadium when the England international joined Southampton. The Gunners were reported to have offered Espanyol around £17m, but a €25m (£21m) release clause was the asking price.

Arsenal wound up taking former Juventus and Barcelona stopper Neto on loan from Bournemouth.

"I was pretty calm throughout the transfer window, isolated, because I was at the Olympic Games," Garcia told the Spanish press, reliving the brief saga.

"And when I arrived [back with Espanyol], La Liga was starting. The last few days were more intense but I was strong because right after the transfer window ended we were playing against Rayo [Vallecano]. I think I managed it, I focused on the field, which was what I had to do, I didn't allow myself to have any distractions.

"I am happy that people are glad that I have stayed and can continue to defend the Espanyol goal, and I am also happy. I have worked for many years for this opportunity and I am enjoying it, I hope to have a very nice season.

"With the Olympic Games I came when the season was already beginning. I've barely had time to think about it. It was the opportunity I've been working for, and I couldn't afford to have my head out of it. Everything comes to you, but I had to be very calm with my head where it should be."

Even though simply surviving in La Liga would be a successful season for Espanyol following promotion back to the top flight, Garcia has remained a starter by staying put, compared to taking an understudy role to David Raya had an Arsenal transfer come off.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP