Aston Villa backed to trigger Joan Garcia’s release clause
Unai Emery and Monchi’s connections in Spain could help Aston Villa to win the race for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about Villa’s pursuit of the highly-rated shot-stopper.
Emiliano Martinez looks set to be on his way out at Villa this summer, and Football Insider revealed on 22 May that Emery’s long-time number one has hired a “super-agent” to accelerate his exit from Villa Park.
Villa have identified Garcia as a possible replacement amid long-term interest from Arsenal, and Football Insider sources have said that the Spaniard has a £21million release clause in his Espanyol contract.
Arsenal and Newcastle are both fond of Garcia ahead of the summer window, but sources have also told Football Insider that Villa are well placed to seal a transfer thanks to Emery and Monchi’s connections.
The Lions are in contention to sign exit-linked Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but Villa’s strong record in the Spanish market will leave Monchi and Emery confident they can win the race for Garcia.
Garcia transfer to continue Aston Villa’s Spanish spree.
Alex Moreno, Pau Torres, Clement Lenglet and most recently Andres Garcia have all arrived through the doors since Emery took charge at Villa Park, and Joan Garcia could be next player to make the switch from LaLiga.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that Emery and Monchi’s strong connections in Spain put them at an advantage over other clubs for Garcia, but any move is dependent on Martinez’s future.
Villa will be looking at a number of goalkeepers to replace Martinez, who will be leaving behind some big gloves to fill”, he told Football Insider.
“They’re looking at the Espanyol goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, who obviously we know that Arsenal are very much interested in and Newcastle have also shown interest as well.
“He has a £21million release clause in his contract, and we know how strong Villa are in the Spanish market, due to their connections with Unai Emery and Monchi.
“They’re maybe thinking that Garcia, rather than Kelleher, could be the number one target to replace Martinez if he does end up leaving Villa Park.”
Martinez replacement must hit ground running at Aston Villa
Martinez isn’t the only Villans player who could be on their way out this summer, after football finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Youri Tielemans could be a target for Saudi Arabian clubs.
Villa will be reluctant to lose the Belgian after his impact in midfield this season, but are consigned to the loss of their number one goalkeeper with Martinez’s agent “pushing” for a move to the Saudi Pro League.
However, if Villa can beat Arsenal to Garcia’s signature by triggering that £21m release clause, they’ll be getting a keeper on an upward trajectory who may have single-handedly kept Espanyol in LaLiga this season.