Barcelona face Aston Villa, AC Milan battle for €20 million midfield target

Barcelona and Girona are set for a long summer ahead in mutual transactions, as was the case last June.

The Catalans will look to trade back Oriol Romeu after the player’s unsuccessful term at Barcelona, while Pablo Torre could also make a move to Girona.

Michel’s side, meanwhile, will look to renew Eric Garcia amidst Xavi’s wish that the player stays under his command.

A further transaction that both teams could negotiate come June is the future of Aleix Garcia, a player who interests the Catalan board as a versatile option in midfield.

Interest from pan-Europe

Garcia has been a solid pillar in Girona’s season thus far, starting 33 La Liga games and contributing to nine goals in the process.

His bright season, however, has not only interested Barcelona but a host of clubs across the globe. Bayer Leverkusen, in fact, are already said to be negotiating with the player.

Now, according to reports from AS, Aston Villa and AC Milan have also emerged in the race to sign Aleix Garcia, along with AFC Bournemouth.

The player might thus be growing distant from Barcelona with every passing day, especially given that he is now spoilt for choice.

A question of finances

Garcia’s release clause at Girona stands between €15-20 million, an amount that is not atrocious for a player of his quality. After all, he has a good five years left in his prime, currently aged 26.

While clubs like Leverkusen are willing to shell out that amount, however, Joan Laporta & co. do not share the same liberty.

Neck-deep in the financial crisis, it is not easy for Barça to fund such an amount, when there are other priority targets to reinforce the midfield.

It thus remains to be seen how the Garcia saga unfolds in the coming days. Should he wish for a move across Catalonia, the player could be forced to accept some sacrifices from a financial standpoint.