Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez believes it is highly unlikely that goalkeeper Joan Garcia will join rivals Barcelona amid Premier League links.

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Keeper Garcia set to leave EspanyolLinked with Man Utd, Arsenal & moreManager casts doubt on Barca moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Garcia appeared to confirm his future was away from Espanyol after saying he can leave with his "head held high" at the weekend. While the 24-year-old – who played a key role in maintaining their La Liga status – hasn't ruled out a move to local rivals Barcelona, his manager has rejected the idea of a crosstown switch.

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He said on : "Maybe he’s already sold, but the club hasn’t told me anything. Personally, I highly doubt he’ll sign for Barcelona. I’m not saying I’d cut off one of my hands to guarantee it, but nearly."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Garcia may be the most in-demand keeper in the world right now. The Spaniard has been linked with Arsenal, Bournemouth, Barcelona, Aston Villa, Newcastle and more, but it remains to be seen where this coveted stopper will head for the 2025-26 season.

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If Garcia does move on, it is up in the air what his price tag will be. Reports suggest he has a €25 million (£21m/$28m) release clause, which will rise to €30m (£25m/$34m) for the last 15 days of the summer transfer window. But other outlets say he could leave for as little as €15m (£13m/$17m) to balance Espanyol's books before June 30.