Aston Villa are among the clubs chasing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as Arsenal’s interest appears to stall, according to a report.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol looks on during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at RCDE Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
Matteo Moretto reports that Aston Villa are among the clubs following Joan Garcia of Espanyol, with the goalkeeper previously having been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
Garcia currently has a €25m release clause, though that will increase as the summer goes on.
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that the clause will definitely increase to €30m in the final 15 days of the summer transfer window, if it takes that long for a club to make a bid.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 14: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol reacts during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and CA Osasuna at RCDE Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
The clause will also rise to €30m if Garcia is called up by the Spanish national team, which could happen in a matter of weeks. Spain are next in action on June 5th.
With the potential for a price increase and other clubs joining the race for the transfer, Arsenal need to move fast if they want to bring the goalkeeper to north London.
Arsenal were definitely interested in Garcia in the past, making a significant move to sign him last summer. But when talks didn’t pan out, the Gunners signed Neto on loan instead, seemingly with the intention of going back for the Espanyol player in 2025.
GIRONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Neto of Arsenal warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on January 29, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
What changed is the arrival of Andrea Berta. It doesn’t appear that Berta is completely against the move, but McNicholas reports that if a more affordable option can be found, Berta could push to pivot away from Garcia.
Berta evidently doesn’t view the Spanish goalkeeper as a priority signing, which significantly increases the likelihood that a club like Aston Villa will be able to swoop and pick him up.
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