Joan Garcia responds to Arsenal and Liverpool transfer interest

Joan Garcia has addressed his future at Espanyol amid interest from Arsenal.

Standard Sport understands the Gunners are in the market for a back-up to David Raya and have considered a move for the 23-year-old.

Raya’s current understudy in Aaron Ramsdale has been the subject of a loan offer from Wolves, while former club Bournemouth are also interested in the England international.

Garcia won Olympic gold with Spain at the Paris Games earlier this summer, after helping Espanyol win promotion to LaLiga last season.

The goalkeeper is believed to have a release clause worth around £21.4m in his contract, although reports in Spain suggest that is due to increase to £25.7m imminently.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Garcia, though the player insists he is relaxed about his future.

“I am very calm,” he said.

“I am a person who isolates himself from all this and I am focused on next Saturday’s game [against Real Sociedad].

“In football, these things do not depend on oneself, but I am very happy here.”

Arsenal remain interested in Spanish international Mikel Merino and will hold further talks with Real Sociedad about a move this week.

The midfielder was left out of the squad for Sociedad’s opening game of the season despite being willing to play, due to ongoing negotiations between the two clubs.

Merino is Arsenal’s preferred midfield target and their interest in the former Newcastle star dates back to before Euro 2024, during which he appeared in every game as Spain won the tournament.