Arsenal given unexpected transfer boost as rivals confirm decision to drop out of £20m race

Arsenal will not have to compete with Premier League rivals Manchester City for the summer transfer of Joan Garcia, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

As was the case last summer, the are being tipped to bolster their goalkeeping department by signing an ambitious back-up to David Raya.

. In 2024/25 he has gone on to make 38 appearances, keeping eight clean sheets as his team dodged relegation from La Liga by two points.

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The 24-year-old's performances have stood out so much, though, that now if Arsenal were to attempt a deal, it is suggested they will be met by strong competition for the £20million-rated goalkeeper.

That will not be coming from the Etihad Stadium, it would seem, as City boss paid compliment to his fellow Spaniard but hinted that he will stick with his current options in goal next season.

"Joan Garcia is a very good goalkeeper," Guardiola told Spanish outlet . "City is interested in 500 players every transfer window.

"He's an Espanyol player, and I don't know what will happen. The players tell me he's an extraordinary goalkeeper. The references we have are very good.

"I don't know much about goalkeepers. I tell them to stop. We've talked about the situation of the squad, and the two goalkeepers we have will stay."

As City slumped to a third-place finish behind Arsenal and Premier League winners Liverpool, there had been doubts hanging over Ederson and Stefan Ortega, both now into their thirties, at the Etihad Stadium.

Whilst this can count as a boost for the Gunners, they may still have to fend off Spanish giants Barcelona.

It was , though since then first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has clarified he intends to stay.

Before making a move for a goalkeeper, Arsenal wish to rectify their biggest issue by signing a striker. Martin Zubimendi is then reportedly on his way to bolster the midfield, then other areas will be looked at.