£25m Arsenal transfer target breaks silence and says 'I had to be calm'

Joan Garcia has opened up on the intense transfer speculation he was subject to this summer. The goalkeeper, 23, was reported to be on-radar for Arsenal amid fast-paced attempts to replace Aaron Ramsdale.

Shortly before the window slammed shut, Arsenal allowed Ramsdale, who was dislodged by David Raya between the posts last season, to sign for newly-promoted Southampton. In turn, Edu snapped-up Neto from Bournemouth to add experienced back-up for Raya with Dutch-born England youngster Tommy Setford also at the club.

Arsenal made Raya a permanent addition following his loan spell at the Emirates Stadium last season. The Gunners also completed moves Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Chelsea star Raheem Sterling (loan) this summer.

They were by no means the only players Arsenal scouted, though, with several names doing the rounds amid their latest push to strengthen to try and close the gap on Manchester City at the Premier League summer. Garcia - who plays for Espanyol - was mooted to be among their options to replace Ramsdale in the event he left.

READ MORE: Arsenal guaranteed to be without five players for Man City as Gabriel Jesus role 'confirmed'

READ MORE: Man City handed Premier League relegation verdict by lawyer as Arsenal watch on

Reports even indicated that Garcia had agreed personal terms with the club. However, a proposed £25million deal did not go through, ultimately opening the door for Neto, 35, to join from Bournemouth.

The Mirror flag up interest from the Gunners in Garcia, who is thought to have a £25m release clause, and that publication reckons several formal bids were made for the goalkeeper late on. Garcia, while subject to interest, was with the Spanish national team at the Olympic Games in Paris - where La Roja picked up gold.

As quoted by The Mirror, Garcia said: "During the entire transfer market I was quite isolated. I was at the Olympic Games with Spain and when I arrived back, La Liga was starting.

"Those last few days were intense, but I was focusing on what I had to do, which is the field. Everything comes to you in the end, but I had to be calm, with my head where it should be."