Atlético de Madrid is working to secure its future when the team's pillars leave. Pablo Barrios is destined to be Koke's successor in the midfield and Julián Alvarez in the forward line as Antoine Griezmann's. However, there is a player who seems irreplaceable, but he is getting older, and his departure is approaching.
Jan Oblak has been one of the best goalkeepers for a decade, and this year, his level has been phenomenal again. However, he is already 32 years old, so Atlético de Madrid must start looking for a reliable replacement for the Slovenian. This is why, according to various media and journalists like Rubén Uría, the red-and-white club has set its sights on Joan García, Espanyol's goalkeeper.
Joan García, the Goalkeeper Atlético de Madrid Wants
At just 23 years old, Joan García has become one of Espanyol's most valuable players. His great performance has caught the attention of several European clubs, and Atlético already has him on its radar as a possible replacement for Oblak.
Last summer, Joan García excelled with the Spanish national team, winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games. His progression has been meteoric, and his market value has skyrocketed in a matter of months. At the beginning of the season, his price was around 800,000 euros, but it currently stands at 10 million, and his release clause is 30 million euros.
Arsenal Already Tried to Sign Him, Atlético Doesn't Want to Waste Time
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has closely followed Joan García. In fact, during a Champions League match against Girona, representatives of the London club met with his entourage to explore the possibility of signing him. In the winter market, the 'Gunners' offered 20 million euros, but Espanyol immediately rejected the proposal, making it clear they won't accept less than his clause.
Now, Atlético de Madrid must make a quick decision if it doesn't want to miss out on its possible successor for Oblak. According to Rubén Uría, the red-and-white team is seriously considering his signing and could try to get ahead of Arsenal in the race for the young goalkeeper.