Aston Villa have received an approach from La Liga side Elche for right-back Andrés García, but the Premier League club are blocking any potential move.
According to Información, a local outlet to Elche, the Spanish side are actively searching for a right-sided defender. As part of that process, they have asked about the situation of the Villa player. The response from England, however, has been firm.
Aston Villa consider García part of their plans for the second half of the season. The 22-year-old arrived at Villa Park around 12 months ago in a deal worth close to £6m (€7m). At this stage of the window, the club do not want to consider a loan. That message has been clearly passed on to the player.
Much of that stance comes from Unai Emery.
The Villa head coach counts on García as squad depth, especially with the club competing on several fronts. Aston Villa remain involved in the Premier League title race, continue their European campaign, and are still active in the FA Cup. From Emery’s point of view, trimming the squad now makes little sense.
The manager made his squad position clear on Sunday, when discussing defeat to Everton. Emery doesn’t feel the Aston Villa squad is strong enough as it is, so weakening it would be problematic.
Unai Emery against Aston Villa exit
García’s lack of minutes has encouraged interest from Spain. A serious muscle injury in pre-season kept him out for more than four months. Since returning, he has featured only occasionally. He made substitute appearances earlier in the campaign and played around half an hour against Arsenal. Most recently, he stayed on the bench in the defeat to Everton.
Even so, both sides remain aligned. García is comfortable finishing the season in England, while Aston Villa have no desire to weaken their options mid-season. Elche’s interest is clear, but for now, Emery’s position ensures the door stays shut.
