Barcelona closing in on Joan Garcia signing

Joan Garcia was seemingly closing in on a move to the Premier League after Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez said he doubted the goalkeeper would join their eternal rivals in Barcelona. However, recent reports from Fabrizio Romano inform that the tide has shifted in the Blaugrana's favour.

The shot-stopper, whose heroics on the final matchday of La Liga guaranteed another year in the top-flight for his relegated-challenged side, is reportedly set to pen a long-term contract with Barca to beat competition from Newcastle United and Arsenal, among other English clubs.

The La Liga champions' hunt for a new goalkeeper puts Wojciech Szczesny and Marc-Andre ter Stegen's positions at the club in doubt for the upcoming season. That said, Barce are also accelerating on a Szczesny contract renewal to extend his stay through the summer of 2026.

In an interview with 'Catalunya Radio', Garcia said it would be "nice" to face Espanyol as rivals, stirring speculation over a switch to Hansi Flick's side. "I wouldn't be a problem to play against Espanyol, it would be nice. These things happen, and I always look at the positives," the 24-year-old admitted.