Arsenal hunting “exciting” £25m signing who’s the “clone” of a Gunners star

Arsenal are now keen on signing an “exciting” player, who is a “clone” of one of their current first-team stars, with a potential deal likely to amount to over £25m, according to a report.

Arsenal’s summer transfer plans

The Gunners are looking at strengthening their squad in a number of areas this summer, with a new striker likely to be high on the list of priorities, and there has now been a positive update on their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

There is now a belief that Sesko has opted to make the move to north London in the summer transfer window, despite widespread interest in the Slovenian’s signature, with Chelsea and Manchester United also keen.

Striker is not the only area in which Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are looking for reinforcements, however, with talks over a deal for AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen recently being opened, having identified the centre-back as a key target.

David Raya has been a reliable option between the sticks for Arteta, but the north Londoners are now showing an interest in signing a new goalkeeper, given that Neto is set to return to parent club Bournemouth in the summer.

That is according to a report from The Sun, which states Arsenal are now keen on signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who could join alongside teammate Omar El Hilali.

The goalkeeper is expected to cost upwards of £25m, given his importance to Espanyol, but there is a possibility the Spanish side will not be willing to sell two of their key players during the same transfer window.

“Exciting” Garcia impressing in La Liga

Garcia has been lauded as “exciting” by freelance scout Ben Mattinson, who also claims the Espanyol star is a “clone of David Raya” due to his ability both on the ball and when it comes to dealing with crosses.

The 6-foot-3 colossus put in a Man of the Match performance against Real Madrid in La Liga this season, and Mattinson believes he has a lot of potential.

As such, should the Spaniard be willing to play second fiddle, Arsenal should definitely make a move this summer, and Arteta will be hoping bringing in a strong second-choice keeper causes Raya to up his game.

However, the situation which led to Aaron Ramsdale’s departure will serve as a warning of the problems that can arise when two top goalkeepers are competing for the same position.