Barcelona beat Man Utd and Arsenal to Joan Garcia transfer as Hansi Flick's side reach agreement with €25m Espanyol goalkeeper

Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with the Espanyol goalkeeper, according to Cadena SER, but they are yet to strike a deal with the club. The 24-year-old had also attracted interest from several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa, but it was the Spanish club that moved decisively to trigger his release clause. If the Spanish national team calls him up, his cost might go up to €30m (£25m/$34m).

Garcia, La Liga's leading shot-stopper this season with 146 saves, has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Barcelona. However, a loan move to another club in Spain is under consideration due to salary cap limitations.

Barcelona's move for the shot stopper addresses growing uncertainty in their goalkeeping department. German star Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 33, has undergone multiple knee surgeries and has a contract until 2028 while Wojciech Szczesny, 35, may return to retirement despite being offered a one-year extension following his incredible performances for the team. On the other hand, third-choice Inaki Peña is not in the plans of coach Hansi Flick.

The Catalan club view Garcia as a long-term solution and is exploring the possibility of loaning him out next season to clubs such as Valencia or Betis.

After Espanyol finished the season with a 2-0 win against Las Palmas, the goalkeeper told reporters: "If I leave, I'm proud to leave Espanyol in La Liga. Everyone knows the situation at the club and where I find myself."

Barcelona are expected to finalise Garcia's signing in the next few weeks. If salary cap constraints persist, he could be seen in different colours on loan in the upcoming season. The club is considering the futures of Ter Stegen and Szczesny before making a final decision on their goalkeeping depth.