Gooners have now been told why Arsenal failed to land one of Spain’s rising goalkeeping talents, Joan Garcia.Garcia had long been on Arsenal’s radar. Back in 2024, the Gunners made a move to sign him, but talks collapsed when Espanyol refused to negotiate below the goalkeeper’s €30 million release clause. Instead, Arsenal brought in Neto on loan.When the summer transfer window arrived, the Gunners reignited their interest in the young Spaniard. We now know they did not get the deal over the line, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed why Barcelona ultimately won the transfer race. Romano confirmed Arsenal were genuinely keen on Garcia and, this time, were even prepared to trigger his release clause.Raya preferredAs Romano explained, “Arsenal absolutely trusted David Raya. So, to sign Joan Garcia was probably going to mean sending him on loan to another club, not signing him to be the starting goalkeeper immediately.“For Barcelona, obviously, it was different. Joan Garcia was a starter and would remain in the same city, in the same league, a Spanish player…“And so for Barça, the deal was easier.”Garcia’s decision makes sense. Had Arsenal offered him a central role in their project, he may have favoured a move to North London.Garcia (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Barcelona’s appeal and Arsenal’s current stabilityWith the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, players want regular minutes, and if you can get that at Barcelona, it is no surprise you choose them.In the end, Arsenal signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, while David Raya has continued to shine between the sticks. The Gunners may have missed out on a promising prospect like Garcia, but having conceded just three goals so far this season, their goalkeeping department remains one they can trust.Your thoughts?Daniel O__________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsRomano: Arsenal’s faith in Raya cost them rising La Liga star goalkeeper6 October 2025, 12:45Do Arsenal still lack a true No.9 despite Gyokeres? Hoddle thinks so..6 October 2025, 11:15Arsenal one of four clubs with a strong interest in PSG midfielder6 October 2025, 10:00The post Romano: Arsenal’s faith in Raya cost them rising La Liga star goalkeeper appeared first on Just Arsenal News.