Aston Villa are bracing themselves for interest in Emiliano Martinez this summer and have identified Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a potential replacement
13:38, 17 May 2025
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa is seen looking emotional as he acknowledges the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Villa Park on May 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy - AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Emi Martinez was in tears after potentially his final game at Villa Park(Image: Harry Murphy - AVFC, Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have set their sights on Espanyol's goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a potential replacement if Emiliano Martinez decides to leave Villa Park this summer.
The World Cup winner was moved to tears after Villa's 2-0 victory over Tottenham in their final home game of the season, hinting that his time at the club might be up. Despite this, Villa have no intention of letting Martinez go after he signed a lucrative contract extension last year that will keep him at the club until 2029.
They remain hopeful of retaining him, and qualifying for the Champions League would certainly improve their chances. However, Premier League PSR rules could also influence Villa's summer plans.
The former Arsenal keeper is believed to have received lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League, but he may prefer to stay in Europe to compete at the highest level. Whether European clubs have made offers for Martinez remains unclear at this point, although reports from Argentina suggest several are already on the table, reports the Mirror.
If Unai Emery's side reluctantly decide to sell, Villa are prepared to enter the race for Garcia, a long-time target for Arsenal, whose current release clause stands at around £21million (€25m).
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa is seen looking emotional after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Villa Park on May 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Martinez could leave Aston Villa this summer(Image: Neville Williams, Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
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The 24-year-old Spaniard has been the standout goalkeeper in La Liga this season and could help Espanyol secure their La Liga status on Sunday when they face Osasuna.
The chase for the Espanyol star is set to heat up as Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle show keen interest. Should Espanyol be relegated, his release clause would drop to £12.6m, while his buy-out could increase by £4.2m if he joins the Spain squad next month.
Arsenal have been following Garcia for a year following the recommendation of their goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 01: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol celebrates victory following the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is highly-rated(Image: Alex Caparros, Getty Images)
Despite having two offers rejected last summer, the Gunners' need for a replacement for the outgoing Neto keeps them in the hunt, although they're wary of splashing out on a second-choice keeper.
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Garcia remains open to an Arsenal move but is aware that other clubs could offer him a starting spot, with Aston Villa ready to make him their number one if Martinez departs.
When asked about Martinez's future, Emery remained coy, saying: "We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field."