30 March 2023 , 16:05
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Arsenal are eying up a move for former Manchester City defender Eric Garcia this summer.
The 22-year-old has struggled for game time at Barcelona this season and could be allowed to leave the club as they attempt to balance their books. Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde have formed an impressive partnership at the back, leaving Garcia's minutes limited.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Mikel Arteta is tracking the progress of Garcia, who has made just 14 La Liga appearances this season. The Gunners were linked with a move for Garcia in the January transfer window but opted to sign Polish youngster Jakub Kiwior instead.
With William Saliba, Gabriel, Rob Holding and the inexperienced Kiwior as the Gunners' only centre-back options - as Benjamin White excels on the right of defence - Arteta is likely to add one more to his squad, and Garcia has been named as a target. The Spain international worked with Arteta during their time together at Manchester City.
This would be the third player Arteta has signed that either played for City or has done in the past since he took over at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019. Gabriel Jesus and OIeksandr Zinchenko both made the switch from the Etihad Stadium to Arsenal - and Garcia played with the pair at City.
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer
Garcia came through the ranks at the famous La Masia academy before moving to City in 2017. He was handed his debut by Pep Guardiola a year later during the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Leicester and impressed as his side won on penalties.
Arteta was Guardiola's assistant during Garcia's breakthrough campaign before the Arsenal boss left to become Arsenal manager in December 2019. In total, Garcia made 35 appearances for City but was frozen out when he rejected a new contract offer in order to join Barcelona in summer 2021.
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Eric Garcia has slipped down the pecking order at Barcelona (Getty Images)That move was confirmed on July 1 as Garcia penned a five-year deal at Camp Nou. He was a regular in the Barcelona side last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions.
Garcia's game time has been reduced this term and it could be further limited when Barcelona complete a deal to sign Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club. The highly-rated defender is set to become their first signing of the summer.
Meanwhile, Jordi Alba is also expected to depart Barca after more than a decade-long spell in the Catalan region. Manager Xavi is ready to shuffle up his squad with financial restraints set to hit the club.
It was reported earlier this month that Barcelona were planning a summer raid on Manchester City. It is claimed that Xavi is keen for Barca to follow up their long running interest in Ilkay Gundogan.
As outlined by reports in Spain, Barca have held a meeting with Ilhan Gundogan, the uncle and representative of the long-serving City midfielder. Meanwhile, Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez are also being monitored by Xavi as Barcelona attempt to beef up their ranks.