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Arsenal are reportedly keen on trying to sign defender Eric Garcia from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

According to the Sun, the Gunners are “keeping tabs” on the centre-back and manager Mikel Arteta is an admirer of his after previously working alongside him during his time as an assistant at Man City.

It is understood that the North London club are interested in his signature, but may need to wait until the summer to try get some of their centre-backs off the books .

The report explains that the 19-year-old has previously turned down a contract to Man City to try force a move to Barcelona, but the Spanish club failed to pay the £13.5million asking price for him in the summer and may struggle again in January due to a lack of transfer funds.

With his deal expiring in the summer, Barcelona could wait until the summer to try re-sign their former academy talent.

Garcia, who is a part of a Man City side that are in the draw for the last-16 of the Champions League, has played seven games across all competitions so far this season.

But it’s clear that his future lies away from the Etihad Stadium and manager Pep Guardiola is perhaps prioritising others in the squad above him.

TBR’s View:

Aged 19, Garcia could have a huge future away from the game and a return to La Liga giants Barcelona does seem like the most likely outcome for him.

But the teenager wants to be a part of the Spain squad for next summer’s European Championships and the four-time capped international really needs to be playing regularly football.

He’s a talented centre-half that is great on the ball, quick and a modern day defender. If Arteta is desperate to sign him, Arsenal should do what they can to try swoop for him next month and give him the offer of regular football at the Emirates Stadium alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.