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Arsenal target Garcia could be open to joining the club

By on August 30, 2023

Arsenal target and Barcelona star Eric Garcia could be open to moving to the Emirates Stadium before Friday’s deadline, as per the Daily Star.

The Gunners have prioritised bolstering their backline this summer and have already purchased Jurrien Timber from Ajax Amsterdam in a £38m deal.

But, after the Dutchman’s serious knee issue, Mikel Arteta’s side are seemingly exploring the possibility of signing a new defender. The former Ajax star is a versatile player – who can play multiple positions across the backline and it appears Arsenal are looking to sign a similar type of player to replace the Netherlands International.

Several names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent times with Perr Schuurs, Jules Kounde and Victor Nelsson being among them, but Garcia is seemingly on their radar as well.

Garcia to Arsenal

According to the report by the Daily Star, Arsenal are planning to sign the Barcelona star on a season-long loan to add depth to their backline amid Timber’s absence.

The report further claims that Garcia has struggled to find regular game-time for Barcelona in recent times so he is willing to leave the club in search of regular first-team football and is open to returning to the Premier League.

Garcia is a versatile player as he can be deployed in multiple positions in the backline and is also comfortable playing in the defensive midfield role. He is technically sound, can play out from the back, is good in defensive contributions and also reads the game well.

But, he lacks the recovery pace to play in a high defensive line and also lacks the physicality to flourish in the Premier League as a centre-back.

So, I think Arsenal would be better off exploring other options to strengthen their backline this summer. However, given Arteta has previous experience working together with Garcia at Manchester City, perhaps he knows the secret of bringing the best out of the 22-year-old.

It is going to be interesting to see whether Arsenal eventually opt to formalise their interest in signing Garcia – valued at around £9m by Transfermarkt – to reinforce their defence before the end of this window.