Aston Villa have a busy summer on the transfer front as they look to strengthen their ranks ahead of a big 2025/26 campaign.
Aston Villa controversially missed out on the Champions League on the last day of the campaign, and Europa League football now awaits for the claret-and-blue side.
However, the Villans will fancy their chances of winning it – Unai Emery has excelled in the Europa League over the years, triumphing four times.
Villa have shown great pulling power over the years, signing players wanted by many other clubs, such as Amadou Onana, Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres.
However, one “extraordinary” player who received an offer from Villa is now set to join Barcelona instead, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Photo By Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images
Photo By Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images
Aston Villa target Joan Garcia now set for Barcelona move
Romano has declared “here we go” on Joan Garcia to Barcelona, with documents now all in place over a move for the Espanyol goalkeeper.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey previously confirmed that Villa were one of the clubs that had made Garcia an offer.
However, the Spaniard has decided on a move to Barca, and Romano has reported that his release clause – said to be £21million – will be paid “in the next days”.
READ MORE: Aston Villa fans buzzing over ‘absolutely magnificent’ news out of Villa Park
🚨🔵🔴 BREAKING: Joan García to Barcelona, here we go! Documents are now in place with Spanish GK.
Release clause to be paid in the next days, could happen next week but all contracts are now ready.
Joan García will sign a five year deal at Barça, all set. pic.twitter.com/celkuAf5vS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2025
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Which goalkeeper Aston Villa could now target instead of Joan Garcia
The Villans will be disappointed to miss out on Garcia, who was deemed “extraordinary” by former Espanyol boss Luis Garcia.
Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez faces an uncertain future at B6 amid links with the Saudi Pro League, while Chelsea are also said to be keen on Martinez.
With that in mind, the Villans are keen to bring in another top goalkeeper, and TBR Football understands that Lille star Lucas Chevalier is also in Villa’s sights.
At just 23 years of age, Chevalier has already made 127 competitive appearances for Lille and has kept 44 clean sheets, including 11 in Ligue 1 last season.
This led to Chevalier winning the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Season award for the 2024/25 campaign.
Villa are also interested in signing Marcin Bulka, who was previously at Chelsea.