On Sunday, Mundo Deportivo stated Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández wants to retain Eric García amid claims of Arsenal’s interest in signing him. It was also said the La Liga side would find it difficult to sanction a loan move late in the window.
Sport also state the manager favours the defender staying but if he were to leave, Barca would prefer a permanent transfer instead of a loan deal. When discussing the 22-year-old’s options, both Girona and Arsenal are mentioned.
It’s claimed several Barca players are on the exit ramp and the list includes the former Manchester City man.
The newspaper says he’s aware of Girona’s interest and the Blaugrana are waiting for their La Liga counterpart to make an approach to sign the centre-back.
Apart from Girona, the 22-year-old also has an option to return to the Premier League to join Arsenal.
The report states the Gunners are looking for a new defender after Jurriën Timber suffered a serious injury earlier this month, and this is where García would fit in.
Mikel Arteta knows the Spain international well from his time at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, and Sport say the Arsenal manager is ‘convinced’ his compatriot ‘could offer good performances’, if the north London club were to sign him.
The newspaper also states Barca will keep García at the Camp Nou if Marcos Alonso were to join Manchester United.
