After a failed attempt to sign Eric Garcia in January, Arsenal is pushing to woo Garcia again in the summer transfer window. Garcia signed a five-year contract at Camp Nou after arriving from Manchester City in 2021 on a free transfer.
According to reports, Barcelona is in pursuit of signing Athletic Club centre-back Inigo Martinez, which creates a tough competition for Garcia to secure first-team playing minutes, which could be a boon to Arsenal in tempting Garcia to their side.
Garcia, a Spain international, wants to play more than the 11 starts he received from coach Xavi Hernandez this season, and he does not want to face a repeat next season. This comes amid reports that Xavi has been experimenting in training with Garcia as a pivot in midfield, potentially creating a new role.
Mikel Arteta’s side previously made an approach to sign the 22-year-old centre-back during the January transfer window, but Garcia dismissed a switch to Emirates Stadium.