Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta was ‘happy’ to see goalkeeper Joan Garcia reject the Gunners and join Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
There were eight new signings at the Emirates this summer with the arrival of Piero Hincapie on an initial loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen the last man in the door on transfer deadline day.
The arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea at the start of July sparked their summer business, making the trip across the capital for £5million.
Prior his arrival, Arsenal were among the clubs interested in Spain’s highly-rated Garcia.
The shot stopper was reported to have agreed personal terms with the Premier League club in the summer of 2024 but were unable to agree a fee.
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Their interest remained as he enjoyed a reputation-enhancing 2024-25 campaign at Espanyol but faced sterner competition for his signature this summer.
Barcelona eventually won the race, signing Garcia on a six-year deal after triggering his £21m release clause.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s long-term interest, Berta was keen for Arsenal to elsewhere when it came to finding someone to provide cover and competition for David Raya.
According to The Athletic, Berta was very reluctant for the club to meet Garcia’s release clause.
When Garcia chose to remain in Spain and join Barcelona, the Gunners chief was ‘happy’ to switch focus to Kepa.
Berta joined Arsenal in March as their new sporting director following the departure of Edu.
His influence has been huge across a summer transfer window where the club spent £255million on new arrivals with only Liverpool and Chelsea outspending them.
Berta was said to be influential in the decision to prioritise a deal for Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko, who was later signed by Manchester United.
The Italian was also instrumental in Arsenal hijacking a deal for Eberechi Eze, who joined the Gunners despite being close to penning a contract with arch-rivals Tottenham.