Barcelona plan to pay La Liga star's release clause after offer from Arsenal

Barcelona intend to pay a La Liga star’s release clause in an effort to sign the player for Hansi Flick, but he’s also got an offer to join Arsenal.

Arsenal set for busy summer transfer window after disappointing season

Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are widely reported to be in pursuit of a new striker and winger this summer, but they could yet reinforce multiple other positions across the Gunners squad.

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The north Londoners have emerged as favourites.

The north Londoners have held talks over a deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who can play on the left-hand side, on the right and as a centre-forward, but that move is apparently stalling due to wage demands.

This has apparently led them to consider alternatives, like Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma, with Berta also on the hunt for a prolific centre-forward after Arsenal’s struggles to find the net throughout 2024/2025.

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appear to be the two main striker targets for Arsenal, according to reports, with the former scoring 53 goals over 24/25 and the latter bagging 21.

Beyond their search for attackers, the reliable David Ornstein insists they could look to strengthen defensively as well, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi already on his way to Arsenal too.

“Arsenal have loads more to do,” said Ornstein on NBC Sports.

“They will try and renew the contract of Thomas Partey – no outcome on that yet. Maybe a defender too because they missed out on Dean Hujsen, [and] a second-choice goalkeeper as well.”

Arsenal make offer to Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia

Their second-choice keeper target is likely to be Espanyol star Joan Garcia, according to various reports.

It is believed by some outlets that Arsenal have held talks over signing Garcia already, one year after he agreed personal terms to join the club, with a move eventually falling through in 2024 (Fabrizio Romano).

After his switch to N5 didn’t quite happen, Garcia focused on his performances at Espanyol, and the 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign for the La Liga side, who maintained their Spanish top flight status.

With Neto on his way back to Bournemouth, Garcia would be an excellent replacement for the Brazilian and adept understudy to David Raya, but they face stiff competition for the shot-stopper’s signature.

According to newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Garcia has an offer to join Arsenal, as well as both Aston Villa and Bournemouth. However, Barca also intend to trigger his £21 million release clause, so there appears to be a plethora of clubs chasing the Spaniard.