KEEPER ‘NOT DISTRACTED’ BY GUNNERS

ARSENAL transfer target Joan Garcia insists he was not distracted by the Gunners’ late interest – despite feeling isolated during the final stretch of the summer window.

The Espanyol goalkeeper was the subject of multiple late bids from Arsenal, but the La Liga outfit remained firm, communicating that

Olympic gold medalist Garcia (left) would only depart if his £25million release clause was met.

Arsenal felt that figure was too steep and landed Neto on loan from Bournemouth, instead, but they are expected to reignite their interest in Garcia at a later date

On the failed move, Garcia said: “During the entire market, I was quite isolated. I was at the Olympic

Games and when I arrived back, La Liga was already starting.

“The last few days were more intense, but I was focusing on what I had to do on the field. I managed not to get distracted.

“I am very happy that people are happy that I have stayed.

“I have worked all these years for this – playing with Espanyol in the top division – and this is how it is. I hope to take advantage of it. With the Olympic Games, I came when the season was already beginning. I’ve barely had time to think about it.

“It was the opportunity I’ve been working for and I couldn’t afford to have my head out of it.

“Everything comes to you, but I had to be very calm, with my head where it should be.”