Latest Liverpool transfer whispers as Arne Slot reportedly attempts to rush in to grab Arsenal target Joan Garcia, while sources say an agreement is close between the Reds and Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili
Liverpool is apparently seeking to rush in and hijack Arsenal’s contract for goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The 23-year-old shot-stopper has sparked interest from La Liga and the Premier League after helping Espanyol return to the Spanish top division.
Garcia kept 12 clean sheets in 21 second-division outings, winning promotion after defeating Sporting Gijon and then Real Oviedo in the play-off final, 2-1 on aggregate. The goalkeeper was also in Spain’s squad for the summer Olympics in Paris, but he did not play since Arnau Tenas took his place between the sticks on their way to Olympic gold.
According to Mundo Deportivo, while Arsenal has been widely rumored to have signed a verbal agreement worth around €30 million (£25 million), they are not the only club in the hunt. Liverpool, his Premier League rivals, are apparently keeping a close eye on him, and Girona, another La Liga club, is thought to have made an offer.
However, Espanyol claims to have received no bid or communication from the player’s representation. Garcia has four years remaining on his contract in Catalonia, but it has been claimed that he might be David Raya’s understudy, with Aaron Ramsdale’s future uncertain.
Although the Reds have set their sights on another La Liga goalkeeper, Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Garcia is being attentively monitored, according to reports. Girona, who will compete in the Champions League this season, are claimed to have made an offer last month; despite being at the focus of the gossip, the shot-stopper is said to be unconcerned about his future.
Meanwhile, it has been rumored that Liverpool are close to signing Mamardashvili. Sources tell ESPN that the Reds had “stepped up” their chase of the Euro 2024 breakout hero.
Valencia and Arne Slot’s side are claimed to have been considering a fee of around €40 million (£34 million), and while a deal has not been concluded, there is optimism about a possible deal, according to the news agency.
The deal raises worries about Liverpool’s goalkeeping future. Alisson Becker presently wears the number one shirt, with Caoimhin Kelleher serving as his deputy, and he had his longest extended period in goal with the Reds previous season.
Kelleher has stated that he wants to be a regular starter and has sparked interest in recent transfer windows, particularly from Nottingham Forest.
Alisson, 31, has three years left on his deal, although he has also been the focus of conjecture. Saudi Arabian clubs have been keeping an eye on the goalkeeping department this summer, despite suggestions of interest in the Liverpool goalkeeper have been immediately rejected.
The former AS Roma goalkeeper has been a game changer at Anfield since his debut in 2018. Liverpool has dominated the Premier League, England’s domestic honours, and Europe, winning the Champions League in 2019 before winning their first Club World Cup.
There is speculation that Mamardashvili may stay at Valencia for the upcoming season before joining the Reds in 2025, assuming an agreement is finalized.
