Aston Villa & Bournemouth handed boost in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia | OneFootball

Aston Villa and Bournemouth have been handed a boost in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia due to his reluctance to join Barcelona.

The 24-year-old is one of the best shot-stoppers in La Liga, and he has been touted to pursue a bigger challenge away from his boyhood club.

It was recently revealed that Barcelona had agreed a deal in principle with Garcia, but journalist Matteo Moretto has now dismissed the transfer story.

He wrote on X: “Joan García isn’t keen on joining Barca and has reportedly told Espanyol this in the last few hours. He prefers to go to the Premier League.”

The Spaniard has informed Espanyol that he is not keen on joining Barcelona this summer.

He has his sights set on a Premier League move, which should put Villa and Bournemouth on red alert. The English duo have been credited with an interest by Mundo Deportivo.

Garcia could join Villa or Bournemouth this summer

Villa are ‘expected‘ to part ways with Emiliano Martinez. They have identified Garcia as one of the names to reinforce the goalkeeping department this summer.

The Cherries are interested in recruiting Garcia as Kepa Arrizabalaga is poised to return to Chelsea following his season-long loan agreement.

Garcia would be a fabulous signing for either club. The Spaniard has made 145 saves in La Liga this term with a success rate of 74 percent.

The 24-year-old has saved a couple of penalties. He has averaged almost 19 passes per league outing and also caught the eye with his handling and high claims in the box.

Garcia can potentially develop into an elite goalkeeper. Arsenal are also long-term admirers, but Villa and Bournemouth should have an upper hand over them.

The pair could guarantee Garcia a starting role in the league next season. That won’t happen at Arsenal. The Gunners only consider him as an understudy to compatriot David Raya.

Villa could have an advantage over the Cherries in the pursuit, given they have qualified for the Europa League. Garcia would relish playing European football next season after a relegation battle at Espanyol.

The Sallent-born star would be a huge bargain signing for his next club. He has a release clause of just £21 million in his contract that can be triggered from the start of July.