Barcelona want rival star to join as Marc-André ter Stegen replacement - Reports

Barcelona are looking at Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia to join them as a potential replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, as per El Nacional. La Blaugrana are planning for the future after the German goalkeeper suffered a severe injury earlier this season.

Espanyol goalkeeper Garcia has kept three clean sheets in LaLiga this season for the Catalan side while maintaining a 69 percent save success rate. He has a better save percentage than La Blaugrana goalkeeper Inaki Pena (64 percent) in LaLiga. Barcelona consider the 23-year-old Espanyol man a good choice to replace Ter Stegen in the long run and are prepared to move for him in the summer.

Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a knee injury in September that will keep him out of action until the 2025-26 season. In his absence, Hansi Flick has given Pena most of the games but has now turned to 34-year-old Wojciech Szczesny since the turn of the year. This possibly indicates that Pena has not done enough to convince the club of his long-term potential.

As per GiveMeSport, Joan Garcia was a target for Premier League outfit Arsenal in the summer, but they were unable to negotiate a fee with Espanyol, who are very reluctant to part ways with him. The 23-year-old came through the ranks at the club, and a move to Nou Camp may appeal to him, despite both clubs' rivalry.

Espanyol and Barcelona are Catalunya's two biggest clubs, and a move from one club to the other could raise eyebrows in the region.

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Barcelona midfielder avoids major injury following substitution against Alaves

Barcelona midfielder Gavi escaped serious damage following a clash of heads in the game against Alaves. The youngster played less than a quarter of the game before his substitution, as La Blaugrana claimed a 1-0 win.

Gavi was late to an aerial duel in the eighth minute of the game, leaving both he and Alaves man Tomas Conechny needing medical attention after a clash of heads. The Alaves player was stretchered off with a neck brace, while Gavi walked off on his own before being substituted for Fermin Lopez.

Barcelona have made a statement about the condition of their 20-year-old midfielder, revealing the below:

“During this afternoon’s match against Alavés, Gavi suffered a head injury without loss of consciousness. The tests have been normal and he has been discharged from home,” read the statement via Barca Universal.

As of now, there are no indications that the young Spanaird will miss any forthcoming games.