According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Emiliano Martinez may make way for Joan Garcia at Aston Villa in the summer transfer window. The Villans are ready to part ways with the 32-year-old World Cup winner amid his emerging Saudi links. Meanwhile, Garcia is the preferred candidate to replace the former Arsenal goalkeeper, with the West Midlands outfit in talks to sign him.
Emiliano Martinez has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining Aston Villa from Arsenal in September 2020. The Argentine international has come leaps and bounds in the last half a decade, becoming a mainstay between the sticks for his club and country. In addition, he has been instrumental in La Albiceleste’s 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa American wins.
On the other hand, Joan Garcia has come leaps and bounds in no time since breaking into the first-team squad. The 23-year-old was also part of Spain’s squad as they won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Spaniard’s progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing him, with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Aston Villa vying for his signature.
Arsenal will likely dip into the market for a goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window as they prepare to part ways with Neto. So, the Gunners need a new deputy shot-stopper, with Garcia a long-term target for the North London club. However, potential game-time concerns might leave Arsenal in a spot of bother in this chase.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Joan Garcia is understandable. While Andre Onana has a high ceiling, he has been error-prone since arriving from Inter Milan nearly two years ago. So, the Spaniard being a possible competitor for Onana’s spot makes him a viable target for Manchester United.
As for Aston Villa, Emiliano Martinez recently emerged as a target for Saudi Pro League clubs, with the West Midlands club identifying the Olympics 2024 gold medalist as a potential replacement. The latest report has claimed that the Villans are ready to part ways with the 32-year-old Argentine international to make room for Garcia.
In addition, Aston Villa and Garcia are in talks over a possible move in the summer transfer window. So, it will not be surprising to see the 23-year-old Spanish goalkeeper moving to Villa Park, considering he will likely become the first-choice goalkeeper for the West Midlands club.
