Aston Villa is stepping up its efforts to sign Espanyol goalkeeper João Garcia, with the aim of securing a 23-year-old signature over other Premier League clubs.
According to Cadena Ser, Unai Emery’s side went into the race to sign Spanish goalkeeper while searching for a new number two.
While there’s no doubt Emiliano Martinez is Villa Park’s uncontroversial number one goalkeeper, Robin Olsen is set to leave the club this summer, when it ends this summer, and Villa looks for a new goalkeeper to offer a competition from Martinez.
Garcia’s impressive performance shows seven clean sheets in 32 Laliga appearances and save rates only shown by Unaisimon, Thibaut Courtwa and Jan Oblaak.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s contract with Espanyol includes a release clause of 25 million euros (£21 million) and could increase to 30 million euros (£25 million) depending on certain conditions, such as international calls.
As Emery tries to strengthen the depth of his team this summer, the 6-foot-3-inch Garcia has emerged as one of the club’s top targets.
Aston Villa is trying to beat Man United in the Joan Garcia race
Villa’s target Garcia is also being chased by Manchester United, who is unhappy with Andre Onana’s performance this season.
Sports director Monki scouted Garcia in Espanyol’s 1-0 defeat at Laceramica on Sunday afternoon.
Villa is ready to trigger Garcia’s release clause in the hopes that the young goalkeeper will develop further at the club and be able to replace Martinez in the future.
Garcia was able to arrive at Villa Park this summer, but Ollie Watkins was able to leave the club with the Premier League champions who are interested in signing him to bolster their offense.
Aston Villa Winger is looking for an immediate exit from the club for UNAI EMERY