Arsenal could trigger player’s £26m release clause closer to transfer deadline day after Mikel Merino deal

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Arsenal are currently pushing to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad – although that is not the only deal Edu could pull off before transfer deadline day.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Merino has agreed to join Arsenal – and it is now up to the Gunners to agree a fee with Real Sociedad after seeing an opening bid rejected.

In the meantime, a report emerging from Spain suggests that Arsenal could also buy another player from La Liga before the transfer window slams shut – once Mikel Merino is signed…

Arsenal could trigger Joan Garcia release clause

A story from Mundo Deportivo now hints that Arsenal could make a move to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol in the final stretch of the summer transfer window.

The Spanish news outlet mention that Mikel Arteta “has not forgotten” about the Espanyol No.1 as Arsenal keep an eye on potential replacements for Aaron Ramsdale, who is still expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer after losing his spot to David Raya.

Mundo Deportivo relay a line from The Athletic – who claim that Arsenal have settled on Garcia as the chosen replacement for Ramsdale – while also providing information of their own.

It is said that the 23-year-old currently has a release clause worth €25m (£21.5m) written into his contract.

However, that sum will increase to €30m (£25.7m) from Thursday onwards, so the lack of movement on Ramsdale’s situation looks likely to cost Arsenal an extra £4.3m if a move for Garcia does materialise.

The man from Sallent de Llobregat – who helped Spain win gold at the Olympic Games this summer – made 21 appearances in all competitions for Espanyol last season, keeping 12 clean sheets while conceding just ten goals.

Mikel Arteta and Edu now have a much cheaper option to replace Aaron Ramsdale

As talented as Garcia is, a sum of £25.7m is a lot to spend on a backup goalkeeper.

Therefore, we feel Arsenal should pursue Wojciech Szczesny instead.

The Poland international – who the Evening Standard believe is actually on Arsenal’s shortlist – emerged from Hale End in 2009, and went on to make 181 appearances for Arsenal.

Crucially, Szczesny has just seen his contract at Juventus terminated, meaning the 34-year-old is available on a free transfer, and could even be signed after the window has closed.

Given the cheap nature of this deal and the fact the Pole also knows Arsenal well – meaning he will have no issues settling in – Arteta and Edu should be prioritising it over Garcia, who would be an expensive deputy for Raya.

READ MORE: £90m striker Arsenal want to buy now offered to Chelsea

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Ramsdale will most likely need to find a new club before Arsenal begin making concrete approaches to sign a new goalkeeper, or else the Gunners could be stuck with three senior glovesmen.