Player encouraged after failed transfer to Arsenal – Will receive same or better offer soon

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has backed Espanyol’s Joan García to secure a big move, after a failed move to Arsenal in the summer window.

Casilla has been without a club since leaving Getafe at the end of the 2022/23 season. The 37-year-old didn’t announce his retirement.

Speaking to AS, Casilla has revealed he has retired and didn’t make a statement because he doesn’t see himself as “important enough”.

The ex-Leeds man then analysed Arsenal’s approach to sign García towards the end of last month. The Gunners sold Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton and replaced him with Neto, who arrived on loan from AFC Bournemouth on deadline day.

Prior to the Brazilian’s arrival, Mikel Arteta’s side made firm efforts to acquire the 23-year-old Espanyol star’s signature. They tabled a €20m bid, but it was turned down by the La Liga side.

Casilla has used David Raya taking over from Aaron Ramsdale as an example to encourage Garcia after missing out on a move to the north London club.

“I think he has done very well staying at Espanyol. Arsenal can sign you, you might even play, but at the slightest doubt they will take you off and put another goalkeeper in, like they did with Ramsdale,” he said.

On Friday, Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza said time will come for the Spaniard to leave the club. Casilla remains confident his compatriot will have better offers in the near future.

“I’m sure that in a year or two he’ll receive offers that are the same or better [than Arsenal],” Casilla explained.