According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal is determined to sign Barcelona defender Eric Garcia during the summer transfer window. (page 3).
The 22-year-old joined the Blaugrana from Manchester City two years ago, but he has yet to make an impression. This season, he has only played 1,300 minutes under Xavi.
According to reports, the centre-back will not accept a similar role next season and is likely to leave the club, as the club is set to sign Inigo Martinez on a free transfer.
Arsenal were unable to sign Garcia in January, but it is claimed that they will ‘insist on signing’ the defender when the transfer window reopens this summer.
Mikel Arteta could entice Garcia to join Arsenal.
Garcia spent four years with Manchester City between 2017 and 2021 before joining Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta, the Gunners’ manager, was keeping an eye on him while he was working as City’s assistant, and there were reports that Arsenal could sign him in 2021.
The youngster’s preference was clearly to return to Camp Nou, but things did not go as planned. He may be tempted to return to the Premier League now.
Garcia is primarily a center-back, but he has also played right-back on occasion. His versatility and youth would fit Arsenal’s transfer policy.
Transfermarkt currently values him at €12 million, but Barcelona is likely to demand a higher figure given their need for funds to balance their books.
Still, we don’t expect the deal to cost more than €25-30 million, and it could be a good piece of business for Arsenal if Arteta is looking to bolster the defense further.
Garcia has a pass accuracy of 92% this season and is excellent with the ball at his feet. He’s made more than one tackle and two clearances per game.
