Aston Villa can land perfect Emi Martinez replacement in multi-million twist
Aston Villa could be set for a busy summer as several key players could be headed for the exit door in a huge shake-up.
Unai Emery could wield the axe on several members of the first-team squad to refresh his side and help the financial situation at Villa Park.
Emi Martinez could be one of those headed for the exit door, with the popular veteran suffering a dip in form in recent months.
Martinez has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia, and should Villa choose to sell him, they could land the perfect replacement and make a profit.
Aston Villa could replace Martinez with Joan Garcia
It has been reported that Martinez could be allowed to leave this summer if a younger replacement can be found, and Villa now have the chance to upgrade on him.
The Daily Mail have reported that Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is on Villa’s radar as a potential replacement.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| Premier League | 34 | 45 | 6 |
Garcia has been outstanding in La Liga this season and has been a key factor in helping Espanyol to 14th place out of a relegation battle.
The Spaniard is in high demand and will have a £20million release clause this summer, making the 24-year-old an ideal signing for Emery to replace Martinez.
Garcia can become Villa’s long-term number one
Martinez has looked past his best at times this season, and at 32, he is not getting any younger. Villa will eventually have to think about his replacement, and being proactive in this decision could be the best move.
Garcia is 24, but has already shown his potential this season, with his outstanding ability both with his feet and in the air attracting a lot of suitors, including Arsenal.
The Espanyol star could even push for a starting spot in the Spain squad at the World Cup next year if he continues his form and chooses his next club wisely, and he may look at Martinez’s rise with Argentina as inspiration.
If he does join and succeeds, Garcia could become Villa’s long-term number one for years to come, and given that they could potentially profit on Martinez while bringing him in, this move feels like a no-brainer for Emery.