Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol celebrates victory following the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid
Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa have been boosted in their pursuit of goalkeeper Joan Garcia with the claim his current club need to sell before the end of next month.
That’s according to Spanish outlet AS, who have also thrown Barcelona’s name into a transfer hat that also contains the likes of Villa, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
They claim Espanyol ‘urgently needs to agree to a transfer for at least 15 million euros before June 30’, citing the club’s financial situation as a motivating factor.
Last summer the end of June witnessed a flurry of transfers as clubs, Villa included, worked to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules, this summer is expected to be no different.
AS say the 24-year-old’s release clause currently stands at €25 million but that goes up to €30m if Garcia is called up by Spain for their UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany or if he remains at the Catalan club in the last 15 days of the transfer window.
Villa expect Robin Olsen to leave at the end of his contract in a few weeks and will want to add depth – and potentially even competition for long-time No. 1 Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine, long-regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, has been the subject of speculation this summer, with a move to Saudi Arabia rumoured.
What would you like to see happen in Villa’s goalkeeping department? Have your say here
Get your hands on AVFC 150 years merchandise
Aston Villa is marking its 150th anniversary throughout the 2024/2025 season, celebrating a century and a half of history, football and community.
Here's what items are available to buy to celebrate the club's historic season from its official store:
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Shirt 24-25 (£55)
The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's history in the details.
Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the site.
Buy here.
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Track Top - Claret (£70)
This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the jacket by saying:
"Before football players take the pitch for warmups, they answer questions from the media wearing an adidas jacket like this one. It's made of a soft woven fabric to keep you comfortable anywhere the day takes you.
AEROREADY helps keep you dry and comfortable whether you're hanging with friends or watching the game from the sidelines."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Hoodie - Navy (£45)
Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages."
This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes XL and S for women limited stock left.
Buy navy here and claret here.
Aston Villa 150 Years in Pictures Book (£25)
The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season. The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo book."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Book Volume Two (£40)
The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and 2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume. Even more pin-sharp images, artefacts and stories are featured, alongside stand-out interviews with some of the players and managers that make this club so great.
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Polo Shirt - White (£30)
"Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages."
This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher price of £35.
Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary T-Shirt - Claret and Navy (£25)
"Suitable for wearing on matchdays and beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion."
Buy mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Anniversary Scarf - Claret (£15)
"Take the love for your team with you. The scarf tops off your winter look, and is an essential item for supporters."
Buy the scarf here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Badge & Keyring Set - Boxed (£15)
Display the love for your team. Perfect for your hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages.
Buy the set here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Mug - 11oz (£8)
"Start your day off right with a drink from this. Whether it's tea, coffee or hot chocolate this mug is perfect for fans to enjoy an exquisite beverage."
Buy the mug here.
Everyday, the BirminghamLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Aston Villa content.
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Our dedicated reporter John Townley - who you can follow on X by clicking here - follows Villa home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur - that's why we have produced a daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you'll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox. Sign up to the Villa newsletter here.You can also get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive's Villa team on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.If you prefer reading our Villa stories on your phone, consider downloading the BirminghamLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Villa as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.