Arsenal's first major exit looks set after Mikel Arteta strikes deal

Aaron Ramsdale is set to become Arsenal’s first big money sale this summer after Mikel Arteta reportedly struck a deal to bring a new goalkeeper to the Emirates. According to reports in Spain, the Premier League club have beaten Real Madrid to the signing of Espanyol No.1 Joan Garcia, with the transfer and subsequent fee set to be announced imminently.

The 23-year-old played a key role last season as his club won promotion back to La Liga, making 21 club appearances.

And with David Raya also expected to make his loan move from Brentford permanent this summer in a £27m deal, Arteta has seemingly made his intentions over Ramsdale clear.

Garcia had previously played down speculation over a move, insisting he was happy in Spain. “I have always felt the love of the fans,” he said after his side, who finished fourth in the Segunda Division, sealed promotion with a playoff aggregate win over Real Oviedo.

“I’m very happy that people are with me. And for that part (a move), don’t worry, I’m very good here and above all I would ask you to be calm and encourage us.”

England international Ramsdale was already being linked with the likes of Newcastle and Wolves last season after losing his first team spot to Raya. That was despite him being named in the Premier League team of the season in 2022/23, which duly earned him a contract extension until the summer of 2026.

Initially, Arteta insisted that Raya and Ramsdale would share first team duties. However, the ex-Sheffield United man made just six appearances in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign, two of which came against Brentford when Raya was ineligible to face his parent club.

And yet Arteta initially appeared defiant over his place in the squad, insisting he had no plans to let the 26-year-old leave this summer. “There is a big reality that Aaron will be here because he is our player and has a contract,” he said.

But speculation over a move to Newcastle is now likely to ramp up, with Eddie Howe’s current No.1 Nick Pope having endured more injury problems last season. The club are reportedly willing to pay around £15m for Ramsdale, despite the north London club wanting almost double that fee.

A switch is unlikely to be happen until mid July though, with Ramsdale currently away on international duty at Euro 2024. The FA have put regulations in place to prevent English clubs from approaching members of Gareth Southgate’s squad while they are out in Germany.

The frustrating lack of action has continued for the keeper in Germany though. Jordan Pickford played all three group games, and barring injury or suspension, is almost certain to keep his place for the remainder of the tournament.