Barcelona eye Garcia as potential Ter Stegen successor

Barcelona have joined the race to sign highly-impressive Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia (h/t Diario AS).

The Catalan giants have a goalkeeper dilemma to solve this summer.

Wojciech Szczesny has been influential behind Barca’s dominance since joining them on a short-term deal to replace injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The Blaugrana are willing to continue with the Polish keeper and have handed him a two-year extension offer, but he hasn’t decided on his future.

Ter Stegen is eager to reclaim his place between the sticks after recovering from injury, but the Blaugrana have doubts over his place.

Despite being the long-term number one, the German international has often been criticised for his underwhelming performances in decisive games.

Barcelona are looking to bring in a young goalkeeper in the summer transfer window to challenge Ter Stegen for his place.

They have identified Espanyol’s Garcia as a top target after being impressed by his stellar form this season.

The Spaniard has stood out in an otherwise poor season, with his terrific performances catching the attention of a host of European giants.

Arsenal are the front-runners to sign Garcia this summer, but Barca are now looking to throw a spanner in the works.

The 24-year-old has a release clause worth €25 million in his contract, but his valuation could increase if he receives his maiden Sain call-up for next month’s Nations League semi-finals.

Barca rarely explored goalkeeping options in the transfer market in the past due to Ter Stegen’s presence, but that may change this summer.

The German keeper has repeatedly proved to be a liability in the biggest games, and Barca must replace him.