Aston Villa have made tremendous progress in recent years.
The Villans were playing in the Championship as recently as 2019, but have since beaten PSG in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final, reached the FA Cup semi-final, and are on course to qualify for Europe once again this season.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 4 |  Man CityManchester City |
34 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 66 | 43 | 23 | 61 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea |
34 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 59 | 40 | 19 | 60 |
| 6 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest |
33 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 60 |
| 7 |  Aston VillaAston Villa |
34 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 54 | 49 | 5 | 57 |
| 8 |  FulhamFulham |
34 | 14 | 9 | 11 | 50 | 46 | 4 | 51 |
| 9 |  BrightonBrighton |
34 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 56 | 55 | 1 | 51 |
Unai Emery has certainly proven himself in English football since he was sacked by Arsenal in 2019 and replaced by Mikel Arteta, to say the least.
Now, the Spaniard could come back to haunt the Gunners by pinching a transfer target from right under their nose.
Aston Villa ready to pay Joan Garcia release clause
Cadena SER in Spain are now claiming that Aston Villa want to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol.
Emery has decided to make a move for the Espanyol No.1 to provide competition for Emiliano Martinez, as Robin Olsen sees his contract expire in June.
The Spanish news outlet believe Monchi – President of Football Operations at Villa Park – is now trying to fast track a deal for the Olympic gold medalist, with Aston Villa prepared to trigger his €25m (£20m) release clause.
However, Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Garcia as Arteta aims to find a proper replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
Neto has filled that role so far this season, but the Brazilian will return to Bournemouth when his loan spell ends in June.
Manchester United are also keen to sign Garcia as Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir struggle under Ruben Amorim.
Joan Garcia could become No.1 at Villa Park
As things stand, we doubt Garcia would immediately displace Martinez, who is the current holder of the Yashin Trophy – awarded to the best goalkeeper of the year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Joan García has made more saves (120) than any other goalkeeper in La Liga this season. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/Fr8dD9JaVE
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) April 27, 2025
However, the Telegraph are now reporting that the Argentina international is wanted by Saudi Arabian clubs ahead of a potential big-money summer move.
The finances on offer from the Saudi Pro League are simply astounding, and Martinez could be offered the chance to become one of the division’s highest earners given his status as an elite talent.
Therefore, if a move does materialise, it could make life easier for Aston Villa in terms of convincing Garcia, with a No.1 spot possibly on the table.
