Arsenal told Barcelona transfer target is a 'five-star fit'

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 30 Mar 2023 12:17 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal will make a summer transfer move for Barcelona centre-back Eric Garcia in the summer, according to reports in Spain.

The 22-year-old has been described as “extraordinary” by Barca head coach Xavi but has struggled for game time in recent weeks and could be sacrificed in the next transfer window should the Catalan side failed to reduce their wage bill in line with Financial Fair Play regulations.

MORE: Man Utd and Arsenal target throws Barcelona transfer curveball

The Premier League leaders, meanwhile, are ready to insist on a deal for the young Spain defender, who is given an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €35.5 million by FootballTransfers.

Garcia was not considered to be a huge success at Manchester City, where he played before joining Barcelona in 2021. He featured 35 times for Pep Guardiola’s side before departing on a free transfer, but would a return to the Premier League bring success?

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Would Eric Garcia be a good signing for Arsenal?

Data analytics experts SciSports believe that Garcia to Arsenal would be an excellent choice for both the player and the club.

First, though, he would have to accept that the prospect of playing time – just as it is at Barcelona – is relative small. Both William Saliba and Gabriel, who are Mikel Arteta’s favoured options at centre-back presently, are more highly regarded than Garcia by SciSports’ model.

Crucially for Arsenal, though, he would be a significant upgrade on Rob Holding, who is currently their third-choice centre-back.

From Garcia’s perspective, though, he fits what Arteta is looking for from a centre-back well. He favours the ball-playing style of football that the Spaniard preaches – no coincidence given his history under Guardiola and at Barcelona – and that means he is considered a “five-star fit” in this regard.

Equally, his scope for development is Arsenal is significant as he will be playing alongside very high quality players in the Premier League.

Another good option for Garcia, who is a player Barcelona could realistically sell this summer, are Serie A leaders Napoli, who may be able to offer him more playing time.

Arsenal, though, appear to be leading the way and the signs point to Garcia being another transfer hit for the combination of Arteta and technical director Edu.