Barcelona steal Arsenal transfer target in deal backed by Fabrizio Romano

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Espanyol goalkeeperJoan Garcia is on his way to local rivals FC Barcelona . The 24-year-old Spanish shot stopper has a 25 million euro release clause giving him the freedom to choose his next club. Ultimately Garcia has chosen FC Barcelona over Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Newcastle United.

What does it mean for Barcelona?

Barcelona get a goalkeeper for now and for the future as the goalkeeper is 24 years old and has huge potential but is also already amongst the best as he led the league in saves with 122 saves made. It also makes the first in almost a decade where Barcelona sign a goalkeeper to replace Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

The German has had no real competition since Claudio Bravo left the club in 2016, but now seems to be out of the clubs plans as first choice goalkeeper. It also shows that Hansi Flick has no problem replacing players he feels aren't good enough even if its an established veteran and club captain like Ter Stegen.

Turbulent Summer of goalkeeper controversy?

Barcelona fans should be excited about the signing of Joan Garcia but there is a summer of goalkeeping controversy that could be brewing. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen came out in a press conference before the Nations League semifnal game between Germany and Portugal and confidently proclaimed "I know I'll be at Barca next year".

This, paired with the fact that Barcelona are expected to renew Polish shot stopper Wojciech Szczesny until 2027, places a lot of questions about how the goalkeeping order will shape up.

The belief is that Barcelona will operate with Joan Garcia as the number one keeper and Szczesny as the number two with Ter Stegen having to accept leaving the club or being the third option ahead of a World Cup year.

Ter Stegen has stated his desire to stay and with his contract running until 2028 earning him 42 million euros in total, he can't be forced to leave by the club. This leaves the club in a position where they've got a goalkeeper for the now and the future but a veteran and club captain that could make it a challenging start to life at a big club for the young shot stopper.

What's next for Barcelona?

After securing the services of Joan Garcia, Barcelona still have a few sales and signings to make to better the squad and comply with FFP. The priority should be to offload Ter Stegen now that they have Joan Garcia to prevent controversy and to get rid of Ter Stegen's massive wages.

Clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United could be options that need goalkeepers and would be willing to take on his wage and also Saudi Arabia is always an option. Barcelona should now turn their attentions in their summer business towards looking for a Left Winger and a backup fullback as those two positions are the most glaring in need and seem to be the positions that the club is prioritizing.

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