Arsenal 'to battle Barcelona for Eric Garcia'

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race for Manchester City centre-back Eric Garcia.

The 20-year-old's current deal at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire this summer, and it is understood that he will not be penning fresh terms with Pep Guardiola's side.

Barcelona have been strongly linked with the Spain international, who left Camp Nou in 2017 to move to the Citizens, where he has developed into a first-team player.

However, the fact that Barca's presidential elections have been delayed means that it is unlikely that the Catalan giants will be able to re-sign Garcia before the end of the month.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who coached Garcia at City, is keen on a reunion at the Emirates Stadium.

The report claims that the centre-back favours a return to Barca but has not ruled out the possibility of moving to London in 2021.

Garcia has made eight appearances for Guardiola's side during the 2020-21 campaign.