Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have pulled out of the race to sign a £21million Arsenal target, with two City players to stay at the club.
Both Arsenal and City are set to make some big transfers this summer as they look to dethrone Premier League champions Liverpool and bounce back after trophy-less seasons.
The Gunners look set to complete the purchase of Martin Zubimendi and have their sights set on a new striker, potentially Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.
As for the Citizens, their immediate focus is trimming their squad, with Kevin De Bruyne set to join Napoli, while Jack Grealish and James McAtee don’t appear to have a future at the Etihad.
One player that has been linked with both clubs is goalkeeper Joan Garcia who impressed last season in a struggling Espanyol team and was even named in the La Liga Team of the Season.
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City’s interest in the keeper comes amid uncertainty around the futures of Ederson and Stefan Ortega who are both out of contract next year, with the former linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
But speaking at a golf event in Catalonia on Monday, Guardiola distanced his side from the transfer rumours but still heaped praise on Garcia.
‘We have spoken about the situation regarding squad planning and the two goalkeepers we have will continue,’ the manager said, as quoted by ESPN.
‘Joan Garcia is a really good goalkeeper, but City are linked with 500 players in every transfer window.
‘He’s an Espanyol player and I don’t know what happen, but I’m told by the Espanyol guys [playing in the golf event] he’s an extraordinary goalkeeper. The references we have are very good.’
What has Joan Garcia said about his future?
Speaking in May, after playing for Catalonia’s national side in their 2-0 victory against Costa Rica, Garcia was coy about a potential summer move:
‘I’m very calm. Many things are coming up and I want to rest now.
‘These are things that don’t depend solely on me. I’m an Espanyol player, if something comes along that seems good to them and to me too, it will be decided.
‘I’m focused on my feelings and those of the people I care about.’
With City out of the race, Arsenal would appear to be in pole position to sign the 24-year-old, whom they tried to buy last summer to provide competition for David Raya.
However, Mikel Arteta may be too late as it was reported over the weekend that Barcelona had stolen a march, agreed personal terms with Garcia and are ready to trigger his €25m (£21m) release clause.
Hansi Flick sees Garcia as the long-term successor to Marc-Andre ter Stegen and hopes he will immediately challenge the veteran German for the No.1 spot.
While some reports say the transfer is a question of when not if, others claim there is still a chance for Arsenal to swoop in with the player not fully decided on joining the La Liga champions.
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