According to reports, Arsenal is preparing to make a move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia in the summer transfer window. The Gunners, who are currently at the top of the table, are looking to strengthen their squad and Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a right-sided centre-back. While William Saliba has been playing in that position this season, Arteta is looking for fresh cover and competition. In January, Jakub Kiwior was brought in from Spezia to provide cover for Gabriel Magalhaes on the left side of the centre-back pairing.
Arteta has now set his sights on Garcia, who previously played under him at Manchester City. The Arsenal boss tried to sign him in 2020, but Garcia was keen to return to Barcelona. The 22-year-old defender left the Etihad on a free transfer in 2021 to return to Camp Nou, where he came through the academy. However, he has only started 11 times in La Liga this season due to rotation or injuries and is currently way down the pecking order below Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen.
There have been suggestions in the Spanish press that Garcia could look to leave Barca as a result, and Arsenal is poised to pounce. Guardiola spoke very highly of his young compatriot when he was still at City and had been desperate to keep him. Arteta is thought to rate Garcia equally highly. Arsenal actually enquired about Garcia’s availability in January, but he was keen to remain at Barcelona until the end of the season and help them secure the title.
Garcia was recently asked about his happiness at the club and did not indicate that he was looking to leave. However, he could fall further down the pecking order if Xavi brings in another new centre-back. There are widespread reports claiming a deal for Inigo Martinez has already been wrapped up for the summer, and that might prompt Garcia to look for a new club.
In conclusion, Arsenal is reportedly preparing to make a move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad and Arteta is keen to bring in a right-sided centre-back. While Saliba has been playing in that position this season, Arteta is looking for fresh cover and competition. Garcia previously played under Arteta at Manchester City, and the Arsenal boss tried to sign him in 2020. The 22-year-old defender left the Etihad on a free transfer in 2021 to return to Camp Nou, but he has only started 11 times in La Liga this season due to rotation or injuries. There have been suggestions in the Spanish press that Garcia could look to leave Barca as a result, and Arsenal is poised to pounce.