Newcastle United are set to beat Arsenal and Barcelona in the race to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to reports in Spain.
Arsenal attempted to sign Garcia in the closing stages of the transfer window last summer but failed to reach an agreement with Espanyol.
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga this season, despite Espanyol narrowly avoiding relegation from the top flight, and Arsenal have retained their interest ahead of the summer window.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been considering a move for Garcia in the upcoming window, while reports have claimed that Barca have reached an agreement in principle for the Spanish goalkeeper, who has a €25 million (£21m) release clause.
However, Spanish radio station Cadena COPE reports that Garcia will not join Barcelona and is now ‘very likely sign for Newcastle in the coming days’.
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Cadena COPE’s Quique Iglesias said on El Partidazo: ‘He’s not going to play at Barca. Under no circumstances is he going to play at Barca.
‘He’s going to sign for a Premier League team, in principle. They say Newcastle, but that will be resolved soon.
‘But he’s not going to play at Barca. He’s not going to Barca because he believes he has to make a decision that’s good for everyone and for everyone he cares about; Espanyol matters to him.
‘And he’s not going to Barca because he believes it’s not the time to go to Barcelona. It’s the time to play somewhere far from here, far from home.
‘And because… it’s not a natural or easy exit. It’s not a cheap exit for Barca. It’s not an exit where he’s guaranteed to play. Because for now Ter Stegen has a contract. And no matter how much Barca self-servingly leaks that Ter Stegen’s season has ended, it’s not easy for Ter Stegen to leave. And things will be resolved soon.
‘In other words, Joan Garcia isn’t going to leave Spain on August 15, not even on July 15… he is going to leave now.’
Garcia played for Catalonia’s national side in their 2-0 victory against Costa Rica on Wednesday and speaking before the game, the Espanyol goalkeeper was asked about his future.
‘I’m very calm. Many things are coming up and I want to rest now,’ Garcia said.
‘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.’
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