Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García as doubts linger over David Raya’s long-term role at the club. Despite keeping 15 clean sheets this season, Raya has made a few high-profile mistakes that have fueled speculation about Arsenal’s plans for their goalkeeping department.
His misjudgment for Bruno Fernandes’ goal in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday was the latest talking point, with manager Mikel Arteta facing questions about whether Raya is the long-term solution. Raya, who joined from Brentford last year, has shown resilience after errors — but Arsenal may still be looking for an upgrade.
According to reports from Cadena SER, Arsenal made an offer of €25m (£21.1m) for García last summer, falling just short of his €30m (£25.3m) release clause. With Barcelona also interested but hesitant to act, Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign the 23-year-old, who has impressed with his shot-stopping and command of the penalty area.
The situation draws parallels to Aaron Ramsdale’s time at the club. Ramsdale was initially Arsenal’s No.1 before being dropped and eventually sold to Southampton after Raya’s arrival. A similar fate could await Raya if García arrives and performs well.
Despite his mistakes, Raya is still rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, ranked fourth by FourFourTwo. His ability to play out from the back and make key saves has been a vital part of Arsenal’s system. However, lapses in judgment — like the misplaced pass that led to Anthony Gordon’s goal in a Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle — have highlighted areas where he can improve.
Arteta has stood by Raya publicly, emphasizing the mental strength the goalkeeper shows after errors. “These things happen in football,” Arteta said after Raya’s mistake against Tottenham in April. “What matters is how you respond, and David showed his character by making some brilliant saves after the error.”
Arsenal’s interest in García suggests they are planning for the future, even if Raya remains the first-choice goalkeeper for now. Bringing in a talented young goalkeeper to challenge Raya could push him to elevate his game — or eventually lead to García taking over the starting role.
Investing heavily in a backup goalkeeper might seem unnecessary, but Arteta values competition across the squad. And with Arsenal competing for silverware domestically and in Europe, having two high-quality goalkeepers could be a strategic advantage.
For Raya, the challenge is clear: continue to perform at a high level or risk history repeating itself. García’s potential arrival might be the push Raya needs to sharpen his game even further — or it could mark the beginning of another transition in Arsenal’s goalkeeping hierarchy.
Either way, it seems Arsenal are determined to ensure their future between the posts is secure, whether that future belongs to Raya, García, or someone else entirely.