Arsenal will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Barcelona defender Eric Garcia in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Eric Garcia is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners also attempted to sign the Barcelona defender in the January transfer window. And the 22-year-old might depart from Spotify Camp Nou if the Catalan giants sign Inigo Martinez.
Eric Garcia decided to end his spell under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship in 2021, a decision few players can make. And after leaving Manchester City as a free agent, he returned to Barcelona ahead of the 2021/22 season. But the Spanish international has not been a resounding success for Barcelona since then.
The 22-year-old was fairly regular in the 2021/22 season but has seen his stock plummet after the arrival of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen. Garcia has started only 14 games this term and is a backup option for Xavi Hernandez. And the youngster might soon return to England, with Arsenal interested in him.
Arsenal’s interest in the Barcelona defender is surprising, considering they signed Jakub Kiwior in January. The Polish centre-back’s arrival has left Mikel Arteta with five senior centre-backs in his squad. But the Arsenal boss wants to reunite with Garcia in the summer transfer window.
The pair worked together at Manchester City, where Arteta was Guardiola’s assistant. So the Arsenal manager is aware of Garcia’s strengths and how the Spanish international can bolster his squad. And with Barcelona open to selling the 22-year-old, a summer move might be on the cards.
Arsenal also wanted to sign the youngster in the January transfer window, but he did not want to move. However, with his stock declining and Arsenal destined to return to the UEFA Champions League, the Emirates is an attractive destination. And the report claims that Arteta ‘insists on signing Garcia’.
The 22-year-old might see his situation become even more critical, with Barcelona closing in on signing Inigo Martinez. That will be the death knell for Garcia, and a summer exit should serve him well. But it will be interesting to see if he is open to joining Arsenal and reuniting with Arteta.
