Credit: Imago

Rahul Lakhani

Sat 31 May 2025 16:30, UK

Aston Villa are searching for a new goalkeeper with Emi Martinez likely to depart.

Martinez looks almost certain to leave amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, and Unai Emery is now seeking out a younger option to replace him.

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has caught the eye this season and was a key target for Aston Villa, but with a lot of interest in him, Monchi had his work cut out.

Garcia rejects Aston Villa for Barcelona

It appears to have been in vain, with Barcelona now stepping in for the 24-year-old.

Villa made an offer to Garcia, with his £21million release clause unlikely to cause an issue, but convincing him to move was the tricky part.

The Spaniard has now agreed to join cross-town rivals Barcelona in a controversial move, given the hatred Espanyol have for the Blaugrana.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Garcia is days away from Barcelona, who want to complete the deal as soon as possible, given the interest in him from Premier League clubs.

Graeme Bailey went on to share that Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle have all been rejected, with Barcelona’s offer now accepted.

Villa need to sign goalkeeper quickly

Villa are eyeing up several top goalkeeping options, but with a lot of clubs keen on upgrading the position this summer, they will need to secure their target quickly.

Newcastle pipped Villa to a Champions League spot and are also seeking a new goalkeeper, meaning Villa could face difficulty in beating them to their preferred targets.

Lucas Chevalier of Lille is being eyed up as a premium young option, but with Villa aiming to battle financial fair play restrictions, a cheaper alternative may be sought out.

Marcin Bulka could be a key target, with the goalkeeper available to leave Nice for as low as £10 million this summer, but again there is no shortage of interest in the 25-year-old.

Big change is coming at Villa Park, and they want it done quickly.