Man Utd & Barcelona rival Arsenal for La Liga goalkeeper

Arsenal's pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has reportedly been complicated by rival interest from both Manchester United and Barcelona.

Garcia was Arsenal's top goalkeeper target last summer when they sought to replace the departing Aaron Ramsdale but, after failing with a bid worth €20m late in the window, they ultimately opted for the short-term fix of signing Neto on loan from Bournemouth.

The Gunners are expected to reignite their interest in 23-year-old Garcia this summer, but another impressive individual campaign has seen his list of suitors grow.

MARCA state Barcelona have made contact with Garcia's representatives to make their interest known, urging the goalkeeper to give them the chance to match or improve any bid received before finalising a decision on his future.

However, SPORT believe Barcelona face an uphill battle to win the race for Garcia's signature as Espanyol have no desire to negotiate with the Blaugrana over his release clause - something sporting director Fran Garagarza has already admitted he would be open to with other clubs this summer.

Espanyol would rather sell Garcia to the Premier League where, alongside Arsenal, Man Utd have emerged as suitors as they consider the future of under-fire goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The biggest threat could come from Bayer Leverkusen. Mundo Deportivo state it is Xabi Alonso's side who have made as much noise as Arsenal in their attempts to convince Garcia to join.

Garcia's future is likely to be resolved early in the summer transfer window. His release clause sits at €25m (£20.6m) but will rise to €30m (£24.8m) in the final 15 days of the window, and there are even reports that it could rise an extra €5m (£4.1m) if Garcia receives a call-up to the Spanish national team.

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