According to a report by Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Joan Garcia is the subject of interest from Aston Villa. The Villans are keen on reinforcing their goalkeeping unit in the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Espanyol shot-stopper. Meanwhile, the Spanish prospect is also a target for Real Madrid, although the Premier League club will aim to fast-track a deal.
Joan Garcia has established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at RCD Espanyol. The Spaniard had to bide his time before establishing a foothold in the senior setup at the RCDE Stadium but has not looked back since becoming a regular for the Catalan outfit.
The 23-year-old has also enjoyed success in international football, winning the gold medal with Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As for his progress at the club level, Garcia has turned out over 50 times thus far for Espanyol while keeping 20 clean sheets and conceding 62 goals.
Meanwhile, Garcia’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Widespread reports have linked the Spanish goalkeeper with Real Madrid. However, Aston Villa will aim to beat the competition to his signature in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid’s interest in Joan Garcia is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are combing the market for a goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Andriy Lunin’s future. So, Garcia has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid.
As for Aston Villa, Robin Olsen will likely depart from Villa Park in the summer transfer window. In addition, Emiliano Martinez is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, Garcia is an option worth considering, with Aston Villa ready to fast-track the move for the 23-year-old Spaniard.
While the opportunity to join Real Madrid might appeal to Garcia, Aston Villa will hope to tempt the Spanish goalkeeper with regular game time. So, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the Olympics 2024 gold medalist.