Arsenal are determined to sign Barcelona defender Eric Garcia during the summer transfer window, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (page 3).
The 22-year-old signed for the Blaugrana from Manchester City two years ago, but he has yet to establish himself. He has played just 1,300 minutes under Xavi this campaign.
It is now reported that the centre-back won’t accept a similar role next season and he is likely to move on, considering the club are set to sign Inigo Martinez on a free transfer.
Arsenal were unsuccessful with a January move for Garcia but it is claimed that they ‘insist on signing’ the defender when the transfer window reopens this summer.
Mikel Arteta could lure Garcia to Arsenal
Garcia was with Manchester City for four years between 2017 and 2021 before he made the switch to Barcelona.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was monitoring his progress during his time as City’s assistant and there were suggestions that Arsenal could sign him in 2021.
The youngster’s preference was clearly to return to the Camp Nou but things have not worked for him. He could now be tempted to return to the Premier League.
Garcia is a centre-back by trade but he has occasionally played as a right-back as well. His versatility and relatively young age would fit Arsenal’s transfer policy.
He is currently valued at €12 million by Transfermarkt, but Barcelona are bound to demand a higher figure, considering they need funds to balance their books.
Still, we don’t see the deal costing more than €25-30m and could prove a good piece of business for the Gunners if Arteta is aiming to bolster the defence further.
Garcia is excellent with the ball at his feet with a pass accuracy of 92 per cent this season. He has averaged more than one tackle and two clearances per appearance.
