Manager doesn’t think Arsenal will be able to sign his £25m player before deadline day

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After news that Arsenal have agreed a deal to sell Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton before Friday’s deadline, the Gunners will definitely need to recruit a new keeper.

Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Arsenal wanted to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, a deal that seems to be a non-starter.

Instead, Arsenal have tabled a bid for Joan Garcia to replace Ramsdale as second choice behind David Raya.

And given Garcia has a release clause included in his contract at Espanyol, many believe that a deal will be quite straightforward.

At 23-years-old, a move to Arsenal should also suit Garcia, where he can learn from one of the best goalkeeping coaches in the world, Inaki Cana.

However, Garcia’s manager at Espanyol, Manolo Gonzalez, has just spoken very defiantly about the goalkeeper staying after an excellent La Liga showing.

Espanyol manager determined to stop Arsenal from buying Joan Garcia this week

Garcia actually played for Espanyol on Wednesday evening in their 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid away from home.

Garcia won the player of the match award – a performance described as ‘perfect’ by local media.

And after his performance, speaking via Sport, Gonzalez was determined to keep his young keeper at the club, saying he didn’t expect any side to meet Garcia’s lofty release clause.

Gonzalez said: “To tell you the truth, I don’t think he’s going to get paid. That’s what I think and what I’m thinking.

“I think it’s very difficult for any team to pay €30m (£25m). It’s hard for him to get paid. I’m going to try to make sure he doesn’t.

“I’m very happy with him, very proud of the work he does, and I don’t think he’s going to get paid.

“If a team comes and pays the clause you can’t do anything. I don’t think he will leave. It’s a luxury to have a player like him.”

Arsenal are selling Aaron Ramsdale far too cheaply to Southampton

Right now, it seems very odd that Arsenal are set to effectively trade Ramsdale for Garcia before the deadline.

Southampton are paying £25m for Ramsdale in total, £18m upfront with £7m in add-ons.

And if Arsenal activate the release clause mentioned for Garcia, then they wouldn’t have made any profit when essentially downgrading keepers – even if the Spaniard has big potential.

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It seems as if both the fee to sign Garcia is a little too high, and the price to sell Ramsdale is too low.

However, once you leave it this close to deadline day, it’s always going to be difficult for Arsenal to achieve the best value.