Arsenal braced for Real Madrid transfer battle over star likened to Lionel Messi

Arsenal are bracing to take on Real Madrid in a transfer battle for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia. The 23-year-old emerged as a top target for the Gunners last summer as searched for a back-up for first-choice .

The late departure of to complicated Arsenal's pursuit of Garcia. Ultimately they settled on a loan move for Bournemouth's Neto, who has played just one game all season.

While Neto has spent a year on the bench, Garcia has continued to impress for Espanyol. He has played every minute of their campaign, where they remain in the hunt for a European qualification place.

He has kept seven clean sheets in total, conceding 40 goals along the way. His performances have ensured have remained interested in signing the young Spaniard.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, it has also seen other teams become interested in making a move. One of those is , who are building up to a major squad overhaul under a new manager, with Carlo Ancelotti on his way out.

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According to , Thibaut Courtois' age and injury issues have convinced Los Blancos chiefs it is time to search for a replacement. His current back-up Andriy Lunin is expected to seek an exit this summer in search of playing time.

If Lunin does depart, then Garcia is a player Madrid chiefs are understood to be keen on. He is seen as a 'very interesting' option if a new goalkeeper is pursued, with Los Blacnos ready to battle Arsenal for his signature.

His performances have also attracted an eyebrow-raising comparison to . After Garcia made a string of impressive saves to help Espanyol beat Getafe, his manager Manolo Gonzalez compared his influence on the team to that of Messi's at .

“We have a goalkeeper who makes a difference. This is like when Barca had Messi. He's going to be a reference, and I'm happy for him as a professional and as a person," Gonzalez said.

"They were coming off a great run on the road and were the second-best team in the major leagues. We played well with the ball, which isn't always easy. We were very good and found space.

"We scored from set pieces. They had a great save from Joan in the second half; it was a shame we didn't finish him off with the second. The goal is very close, but we're not there yet. Until it's mathematically determined, I don't trust anything."

Garcia has previously stated he is ready to leave Catalonia. He said: "I am a very cold person in every sense and I think that this attitude helps me. I am very calm at Espanyol, with an opportunity that I have been waiting for a long time.

"It will be for the good of everyone [if I leave]. Mine and the club, which is the one that has made me grow. It can’t be any other way."

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