Manchester United could have one of their transfer targets snapped up by Premier League rivals Arsenal, following renewed interest from the North London club.
A lot has been made of Manchester United’s much-needed summer transfer window this season, with Ruben Amorim needing backup in seemingly every position on the pitch.
One of these positions is goalkeeper, with Andre Onana showing inconsistent form this season, conceding a number of goals due to various mistakes for United.
Altay Bayindir has had limited minutes at United this season, but it is clear to see that he lacks the quality to be the club’s number one.
United’s financial situation means that it needs to engage in some shrewd business. Espanyol’s promising goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, has a £21 million release clause, but is likely to pick the Emirates Stadium over Old Trafford.
Arsenal look to renew their interest in the keeper
Having had a bid rejected for the 23-year-old last summer, Arsenal are looking increasingly likely to be front runners for the keeper’s signature if he chooses to leave Spain this summer.
According to SPORT, several clubs, both in Spain and in Europe, are chasing the signature of Spain’s next potential star keeper. Naturally, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona have been linked, but there is also significant interest from the rest of the continent.
“After the Spanish clubs, English clubs have shown the most interest in Joan García,” the report reads. “Arsenal is the most likely and is the one most likely to be chosen, according to transfer rumours.
“Manchester City and Manchester United are also closely monitoring the young goalkeeper’s development. In addition to them, Bayer Leverkusen.”
Clubs will have to act fast, as his current release clause of £21 million could rise by £4 million if Garcia makes an appearance for the Spanish national team, and by another £4 million if the keeper is bought in the last 15 days of the window.
The importance of Champions League football next season
One of the reasons why Garcia would pick Arsenal if given the opportunity is the promise of Champions League football next season. There is a chance that he opts for a move to Old Trafford if they win the Europa League this season.
With the sheer number of outgoings in the summer, a whole host of players have been linked with a move to United, with some solely hinging on Champions League qualification.
If Manchester United fail to win the Europa League, then several doors would close when it comes to signing players in the summer, especially experienced players who would prioritise the elite European competition when deciding their next move.
Amorim needs to get this summer transfer window right if he stands any chance of turning the ship around at United, and Champions League qualification would go a long way in helping him do that.
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