Arsenal are insisting on signing Eric Garcia as they attempt to finally convince the Barcelona defender into a move to North London.
Arsenal back in for Eric Garcia
That’s according to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, who report that Arsenal are returning with a new move for Garcia.
It’s suggested that the Gunners ‘insist’ on signing Garcia this summer.
Arsenal allegedly tried to sign Garcia in January but the Barcelona man rejected a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are back again though and seemingly have new hope of finally convincing Garcia to join.
The report suggests that Garcia may be tempted to leave Barcelona this summer now they’re signing Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club.
Garcia’s playing time wasn’t exactly ideal before Martinez’s arrival and an exit may now be best for all.
Arsenal were also interested in Garcia in 2021 according to the Daily Star, but he rejected the Gunners for Barca..
Mikel Arteta already knows Garcia
If the Gunners do finally sign Garcia then a move would see him reunite with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
Garcia joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2017, featuring 35 times for Pep Guardiola’s men.
That means Garcia and Arteta worked together at the Etihad Stadium before Arteta’s exit to Arsenal in 2019.
We have already seen Arteta sign a couple of players he worked with at City in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Those moves have worked very well and Arteta may believe that Garcia can make a similar impact.
The 22-year-old has started 11 La Liga games this season and may fancy his chances in North London.
The likelihood is though that Garcia would be signed as competition for William Saliba, giving Arteta another right-footed centre back.
Rob Holding maybe isn’t ideal for what Arteta wants to build at Arsenal and Garcia may be seen as an upgrade in terms of playing out from the back.
Once hailed as ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola, Garcia is a name for Arsenal fans to keep an eye on this summer.
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