Arsenal Close to Signing Joan Garcia, Osimhen Departure from Napoli Confirmed
Arsenal’s summer transfer window is heating up, with Mikel Arteta on the brink of securing the first new addition to his squad.
Amid their pursuit of top-tier talent, the Gunners are set to complete the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen is likely to leave his current club, stirring speculation about a potential move to the Emirates.
Joan Garcia: Arsenal’s First Summer Signing
Arsenal are poised to announce the arrival of Joan Garcia from Espanyol in the coming days. The 23-year-old goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Espanyol’s recent promotion to La Liga and had also attracted interest from Real Madrid. However, it seems Arsenal have secured his services.
The imminent signing of Garcia, as reported by Spanish media, could create a selection dilemma for Arteta, especially with the anticipated £27 million permanent deal for David Raya and the continued presence of Aaron Ramsdale. This addition marks Arsenal’s initial step in fortifying their squad for the upcoming season.
Victor Osimhen: Set to Leave Napoli
As Arsenal complete the Garcia deal, they might shift their focus to bolstering their attack. Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen is almost certain to depart his club, according to new Napoli manager Antonio Conte.
At his unveiling, Conte confirmed that an agreement is in place for Osimhen’s exit, indicating that the striker’s move is part of existing arrangements made before Conte’s arrival.
Conte stated:
“Regarding Osimhen, just as I knew about the situations of Kvara, Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, and Lobotka, on which I have placed an absolute veto, Osimhen’s situation is unique. I am aware of the agreements and can only assist. He is an exceptional player, but I cannot discuss the details as they are part of pre-existing agreements.”
This development aligns with Arsenal’s search for a top-class striker, potentially positioning them as strong contenders to sign the Nigerian international, who has been linked to the club alongside other targets like Viktor Gyökeres.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: Heading for an Exit
In addition to their incoming transfers, Arsenal are also looking to offload some players to balance the books. Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, who had loan spells at Crystal Palace and Luton Town last season, is reportedly attracting interest from Sevilla.
According to Diario de Sevilla, talks between Arsenal and the Spanish side are progressing well, with a deal likely before the pre-season kick-off. Sevilla’s limited budget makes Lokonga a feasible target, and the negotiations could see him exit the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy
Arsenal’s transfer activity underscores their ambition to bridge the gap with Premier League champions Manchester City. With a blend of experienced and emerging talents, Mikel Arteta aims to build a squad capable of challenging for the title and making a significant impact in domestic and European competitions.
Conclusion
As Arsenal close in on signing Joan Garcia and keep their eyes on Victor Osimhen, they are also negotiating departures like that of Sambi Lokonga. These moves reflect Arsenal’s strategic planning to strengthen their squad while managing their budget effectively. With the transfer window still open, fans can expect more developments as Arteta shapes his team for the forthcoming season.
Arsenal Close to Signing Joan Garcia, Osimhen Departure from Napoli Confirmed
