Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with the Red Devils believed to be giving serious consideration to signing a replacement for Andre Onana during this summer's transfer window.
Onana made the move to Man United from Ajax in the summer of 2023, and he has been the club's first-choice goalkeeper during that time, featuring on 132 occasions in all competitions, but he has only kept 21 clean sheets.
The Cameroonian has made a string of errors during his time at Old Trafford, with another one coming on Wednesday night, as confusion with teammate Patrick Dorgu led to Ipswich Town taking the lead in their Premier League clash.
There have previously been suggestions that Onana is not settled in Manchester, with the stopper potentially pushing for a transfer this summer, especially if the Red Devils fail to secure European football for next season.
According to SPORT, Garcia has emerged as a serious target for Man United, but Arsenal also have a keen interest, with the Gunners close to signing him during last summer's transfer window.
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Man United 'view Garcia as potential Onana replacement'
Espanyol director Fran Garagarza has admitted that Garcia could be allowed to leave the Catalan club during this summer's transfer window for less than the €30m (£24.8m) release clause in his contract.
"Clause or nothing? No. In the [last] summer window, with call from Arsenal in the last week, it has to be that [clause]," Garagarza said referencing Arsenal's failed move for the Olympic gold medallist last summer.
"But if you get an offer on June 14th that isn't the clause but is close in fixed and variable amounts, Espanyol are not going to say no. We can't say no. If a club comes with €8m (£6.6m) for Joan García, that's a bad sale, 100%."
Arsenal are believed to have offered in the region of €20m (£16.6m) last year, with the Gunners looking to sign a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who made the move to Southampton.
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Which club will win the race for Garcia this summer?
Unless Arsenal collapse dramatically in the Premier League, then the Gunners will be able to offer Champions League football next season, but Man United need to win the Europa League this term to secure a spot in Europe's elite competition for the 2025-26 campaign.
That said, Arsenal would be bringing in Garcia as a number two to David Raya, while Man United are said to view him as a potential replacement for Onana, handing the Red Devils a clear advantage, with a spot in the first XI seemingly on offer.
Garcia has made 25 appearances for the White and Blues this season, conceding 36 times and keeping four clean sheets in the process.
The 23-year-old came through the youth system at Espanyol, and he has represented the club on 54 occasions, keeping 17 clean sheets in the process.
Barcelona are also believed to be interested in Garcia, but Espanyol are expected to fight against the goalkeeper joining their Catalan rivals, with a switch to the Premier League the most likely outcome this summer.
Matt Law
