Arsenal are reportedly searching for a new goalkeeper to eventually succeed David Raya, despite his solid season since joining from Brentford. Raya has kept 15 clean sheets this campaign but has faced scrutiny for costly errors, raising questions about his long-term future at the club.
His positioning for Bruno Fernandes’ goal in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday has added to concerns. Manager Mikel Arteta publicly backed Raya after a North London derby mistake in April, but speculation is growing that the Gunners are exploring other options for next season.
According to Cadena SER, Arsenal have identified Espanyol’s Joan García as a key summer target. The 23-year-old is also on Barcelona’s radar, but Arsenal are believed to be in “pole position” to land the talented shot-stopper. The club reportedly offered €25m (£21.1m) last summer — just short of García’s €30m (£25.3m) release clause — but failed to convince Espanyol to sell.
With Barcelona hesitant in the market, Arsenal could return with a stronger offer this summer. If a deal is struck, García could arrive as immediate competition for Raya, who turns 30 this year. This situation echoes Aaron Ramsdale’s fate, with the former Arsenal No.1 sidelined and eventually sold to Southampton after Raya’s arrival.
Despite his errors, Raya remains one of the top goalkeepers in the world, ranked fourth in FourFourTwo’s latest rankings. His shot-stopping and distribution have been crucial for Arsenal, though moments of indecision — like the misplaced pass to Declan Rice against Newcastle, which led to an Anthony Gordon goal — have overshadowed his performances at times.
Arteta, who has been ruthless with goalkeepers before, insists mistakes are part of the game. “It’s a sequence of play, I don’t like it,” he said after Raya’s error against Tottenham in April. “You misjudge the situation, you try to make the pass, and you don’t — they score to take advantage of that.
“What I love is that David makes that mistake, picks Gabriel Magalhaes up — that is quite heavy! — and then he was sensational in the last 20 to 25 minutes of the game,” Arteta added, highlighting Raya’s resilience.
FourFourTwo understands that, for now, Arsenal view García as someone to challenge Raya rather than immediately replace him. But if the young Spaniard proves himself as a commanding presence — especially in dealing with crosses and high-pressure moments — he could eventually take over the No.1 spot.
Spending big on a backup goalkeeper might seem excessive, but Arteta’s commitment to squad depth suggests he values fierce competition for places. And with Arsenal determined to compete on all fronts, a reliable second option could prove essential.
For Raya, the message is clear: he remains Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, but the club is planning for the future. Whether he can silence the critics and cement his status long-term remains to be seen — but if Arsenal secure García, the pressure will only intensify.
