Arsenal have been handed a boost in the race to sign an “exciting” player for manager Mikel Arteta, with his transfer preference coming to light ahead of what will be a crucial summer window for new sporting director Andrea Berta.
Arsenal planning to make seven major signings this summer
Berta is expected to have a busy debut window at the Emirates Stadium, with as many as seven major signings anticipated, according to some reports.
Arsenal "ready to pay" asking price for Prem star who Arteta and Berta want
The Gunners boss and director are in agreement.
ByEmilio GalantiniApr 26, 2025
GiveMeSport believe £300 million could be spent on the acquisition of a new second-choice goalkeeper, full-back, potentially two midfielders, a new left-winger, right-winger and striker, although some of these plans may have changed.
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
With Arsenal now attempting to tie Thomas Partey down with a new contract, the need for two central midfielders has been pushed aside for now, but perhaps it could come back to the forefront if an agreement can’t be found on fresh terms.
The need for another left-back is obvious, with Kieran Tierney joining Celtic on a free transfer in July and Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to be sold. Jakub Kiwior can play in that position when required, as can Riccardo Calafiori, but Arteta has admitted that Arsenal need strength in depth if they’re to mount a more successful Premier League title challenge next season.
Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with the exit door and Leandro Trossard’s deal expires in 2026, while both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz’s injuries exposed Arteta’s lack of depth up front recently – forcing Arsenal to use Mikel Merino as an emergency striker.
Goalkeeping number one David Raya also needs competition to keep him on his toes, and Neto is due to return to Bournemouth when his loan deal expires.
Joan Garcia likely to choose Arsenal move over Man United and Man City
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, promising young Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia remains on the club’s radar under Berta’s leadership.
The 23-year-old agreed personal terms with Arsenal last summer (Fabrizio Romano), but a move ultimately fell through. Garcia is set to have plenty of options again this year after another excellent season at Espanyol, and elite Premier League sides are in the mix, including Arsenal, Man United and Man City.
As per Sport, Garcia is likely to choose a move to Arsenal over City and United, with the Gunners seen as English favourites to sign him. However, Berta must also be wary of competition from abroad, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen also keeping firm tabs.
Garcia’s contract includes a £21 million release clause right now, but it could rise to £25 million if a club chooses to snap him up 15 days before the window shuts.
“An uber-athletic keeper with dominant cross-claiming, composure on the ball, standing at 6’3” tall, García is an exciting keeper ready for a step-up,” wrote Football Analyst Ben Mattinson about the keeper.
“García is such an athletic GK. His legs are so powerful and springy enabling him to generate more power to reach the ball. Good flexibility, agility and his proactiveness enable him to be an alert shot-stopper in the box and recover to make double saves.”
