Newcastle United have reportedly hijacked Arsenal in the race to sign one of Mikel Arteta’s key summer transfer targets, with the Magpies believed to be ‘on the verge’ of securing a deal.

While Arsenal remain focused on strengthening their attack with a new striker, the club is also expected to reinforce other positions in a bid to enhance their Premier League title credentials next season.

Among the Gunners’ secondary priorities is the addition of a new goalkeeper to provide competition for David Raya. Reports have widely linked them with Espanyol’s standout performer Joan Garcia, who is understood to be one of their preferred targets.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in La Liga, playing a vital role in helping his boyhood club, Espanyol, pull away from the relegation battle.

Earlier this month, The Independent reported that Arsenal were “close to signing him as a challenger to Raya,” further revealing:

“Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is said to have been ‘wrapped up’ since last summer, and they are close to signing Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a challenger to David Raya.”

However, the race for Garcia's signature appears to have taken a dramatic turn, with fresh reports suggesting Newcastle United have launched a late swoop to beat Arsenal to the signing.

The Magpies are also in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer, having been linked with Burnley’s James Trafford, Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale. Yet, a report from Spain now claims they have set their sights firmly on Garcia.

Spanish journalist Ángel García reports that Newcastle are already “on the verge” of landing the Espanyol goalkeeper, with a move to St James’ Park now said to be just “one step away”.

Garcia is believed to have a release clause of €25 million (approximately £21 million) in his current contract, and Newcastle are reportedly willing to activate it in order to secure the signing this summer.

A separate report in Spain states that Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Bayer Leverkusen have also shown interest in Garcia, but Newcastle’s interest is described as “strong and very real.”

Newcastle currently sit third in the Premier League table with two matches remaining in the 2024/25 season. With five English clubs set to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, the Magpies are on course for a return to Europe’s elite competition.

Swedish pundit and former Premier League defender Jonas Olsson, who shares nationality with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, believes Champions League qualification will be crucial in retaining key players this summer.

Olsson commented:

“I think it’s all down to whether Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.

“At that level, playing in the Champions League is incredibly important to players. If they do qualify, I wouldn’t be surprised if Isak stays for another year or two.

“But in the long term, a player of his calibre is destined for Barcelona, Real Madrid, or whichever club is leading the hierarchy in England at that time.”