Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings you what is being said about a player that Emery has reportedly been keen on for some time
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Sport
10:00, 24 May 2025
Villa boss Unai Emery(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal could revive their interest and rival Aston Villa for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Marca suggest that the Gunners are eager to get a deal over the line for the Spaniard who was the subject of a £17m bid by Arsenal last summer.
But a deal failed to materialise but the Spanish paper says Arsenal now look set to return to the table while Real Madrid and Barcelona are also credited with an interest.
Garcia is renowned as one of the best shotstoppers in Europe and has a £25m clause in his contract.
It is claimed that Espanyol won't accept anything less than the clause that is in Garcia's contract and he remains an attractive proposition at that price ahead of what could be a maiden call-up to the Spain squad.
Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez future remains uncertain and rumours are gathering pace that he will leave this summer.
Villa boss Unai Emery reportedly has Garcia in mind to be his replacement, but the Gunners could ruin those plans if they decide to revive their interest in the goalkeeper.
Arsenal are braced for a busy summer and a back-up goalkeeper is deemed a priority with Neto returning to Bournemouth after his loan deal ended.
However, there have been further claims from Mundo Deportivo that any club may have to pay an extra £4m if he is called up to the Spain squad.
Garcia has made 141 saves in La Liga this campaign with a success rate of 73 per cent and Espanyol will need him to be at his best as they look to avoid relegation this weekend.
Defeat to Las Palmas will see them relegated if Leganes beat Real Valladolid.
Would Garcia be a good signing? Have your say HERE.