Barcelona have reached an ‘agreement in principle’ to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to Catalan media.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper is one of the most sought-after players in the early stages of this first summer transfer window, with a host of clubs vying for his signature.
Arsenal have been chasing Garcia since last year, while Aston Villa, Newcastle and Man Utd have also been linked with the shot-stopper, who was hugely impressive in LaLiga in the bygone campaign.
However, despite some reports that Garcia is keen on a move to the Premier League, it seems that English clubs will ultimately walk away empty-handed. According to Sport, Barcelona have reached a full agreement to sign the No.1 of their city rivals.
Already last week, reports emerged that the Blaugrana had moved into pole position for the Espanyol star, although suggestions that he had already agreed personal terms were premature.
Barcelona get Garcia green light
New progress was made over the weekend, and the above-mentioned Catalan outlet claims that Garcia has now given the final green light for a summer transfer.
Garcia has accepted Barcelona’s ‘financial and sporting terms’ and will become a new Blaugrana player within the next week, ‘barring any unexpected developments.’
Barcelona do not have to negotiate a fee with Espanyol as Garcia has a €25 million release clause in his contract. Despite the club’s ongoing financial issues, which also concern player registration, the Catalans will trigger his buy-out clause and proceed with his signing.
The outlet also mentions that Barcelona will not force Marc-Andre Ter Stegen out of the club despite recent reports that president Joan Laporta is looking to sacrifice him for Garcia.
The Espanyol star will not go out on loan as was initially planned. Instead, he will compete with Ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny for the No.1 shirt.
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