Arsenal make €20m offer for new goalkeeper as Aaron Ramsdale replacement after England international agrees Southampton transfer

Arsenal have reportedly made their first bid for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as they look to replace Aaron Ramsdale before the end of the transfer window.

As was expected, Ramsdale is all set to depart Arsenal this summer after losing his starting spot to David Raya last season. The British goalkeeper has reached an agreement to join Southampton for a reported fee of £25 million ($33m) and underwent medical with the newly promoted side. Arsenal are now looking to sign his replacement in the form of Espanyol’s Garcia.

As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have submitted a bid worth €20 million (£16.8m/$22.2m) with add-ons included. However, Espanyol are reported to be holding out on his €30 million (£25.2m/$33.2m) release clause as they are not keen on losing their starting keeper this late in the transfer window.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  When asked about Garcia’s potential departure late in the summer, Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez admitted that Los Periquitos are ‘powerless’ to stop try and stop the Gunners’ charge to sign the goalkeeper.

  He told Marca [via The Standard]: “I can’t do anything. If they pay the clause, we can’t do anything. I’m very happy that he’s here and that he’s from the club.

  “I don’t think he’ll leave, but I can’t know. It’s a luxury to have a player like him. I say it every week, I don’t think he’ll leave. If I eat it, I’ll eat it, but it’s difficult for someone to pay a €30 million clause. If someone wants him, they should pay the clause. I can’t say anymore.”

• WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  With less than 36 hours remaining until the end of the transfer window, Arsenal will have to try and hurry to reach an agreement with Espanyol if they are to try and sign the 23-year-old this summer.