Eric García’s contract at Manchester City will expire at the end of this season.
The defender has decided not to sign an extension with the Citizens and will leave the Etihad as a free agent in the summer.
Barcelona have long held interest in the 20-year-old, while there has also been claims of Arsenal making an approach for him.
Mikel Arteta knows the Spain international from his time at City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
The centre-back’s desire is to return to the Camp Nou in the summer and Sport explain the Catalan club want to find an agreement before the end of this month.
Recent claims have suggested Barca have lowered their offer, but the newspaper explain only the fixed salary has been lowered when compared with the salary proposal made in January. However, the overall package is higher if one takes into account bonuses.
The Spanish side are of the belief Guardiola’s man will accept these conditions to join them, considering the ‘difficult economic circumstances’.
García and his environment have asked for time to reflect, even though there’s little room for adjustment. The same has been communicated by Barca to the defender and his camp.
Barcelona don’t want the issue to drag on since Arsenal are very aware of García’s situation. Paris Saint-Germain will also be in a position to bid for him, if he decides to listen to other offers.
Koeman’s side are aware they ‘cannot compete’ economically with the likes of Arsenal and PSG for García.
Taking into account the City central defender was keen on returning to Barca since last summer, the Spanish giants remain hopeful they can use that to convince him to join them.
The García case is more open than it was a few weeks ago, but there’s optimism at the Camp Nou of his arrival on a free transfer in the next market.
