Barcelona agree deal in principle for Joan Garcia amid Premier League competition

Barcelona have reportedly secured a deal in principle to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, edging out competition from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Garcia, who led La Liga with a league-high 146 saves last season, has attracted significant interest due to his impressive performances.

Despite his rising profile, Garcia was not called up by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente this summer, a decision that impacts his contract's release clause. Had he been named in the national squad, his release clause would have increased to 30 million, but it remains at 25 million, making the transfer more feasible.

Sources close to the player have indicated that there is considerable interest in Garcia, but any transfer negotiations may take time due to the financial expectations involved. "There are certain amounts that teams interested in him have to accept, and that’s going to have to be the case given his level," said one insider.

Garcia's potential to break into the national team is seen as a valuable asset. "For me, the kid has exceptional value. Hopefully he can make it to the national team; he would give us more cachet and help us more," a source added.

The race to sign Garcia is heating up, with Barcelona currently leading the charge but facing stiff competition from Premier League clubs eager to bolster their goalkeeping options.

Key quotes and stats:
"Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle to beat Arsenal to the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia."
"The Espanyol goalkeeper has emerged as a top-level performer in La Liga, finishing the season with a league-high 146 saves."
"Had he been named in the Spain squad, his release clause would have risen to 30 million. Instead, it remains fixed at 25 million."
"There are certain amounts that teams interested in him have to accept, and that’s going to have to be the case given his level."
"For me, the kid has exceptional value. Hopefully he can make it to the national team; he would give us more cachet and help us more."

Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, beating Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa. Garcia, who led La Liga with 146 saves last season, remains available at a €25 million release clause, as he was not called up to Spain's national team this summer.