Arsenal miss out on Barcelona’s move for 22-year-old to Girona

Mikel Arteta has reportedly been in the market for defensive reinforcements in the final stages of the transfer window. According to the Daily Star , Garcia is being targeted as Arsenal look to sign the 22-year-old on loan from Barcelona.

However, the north Londoners missed their chance, with Girona officially unveiling the centre-back as their latest addition on deadline day, with the Spain international set to spend the 2023/24 campaign at the Estadio Montelivi.

It’s no surprise that Barcelona parted ways with Garcia. Xavi possesses a wealth of talent at centre-back. Ronaldo Araujo, Jules Jonde and Andreas Christensen appear to be the Barca manager’s preferred options at the back.

As a result, Garcia has been a bit player at Barcelona over the past two years. The defender joined the La Liga giants on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 after leaving Manchester City.

Arsenal’s defensive options

However, the Spaniard failed to establish himself during his time at Barcelona and has now joined Girona where he has become a regular in the first team.

Given Urien Timber’s injury, it’s understandable that Arsenal would consider a move for the centre-back. The Dutchman has missed most of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Garcia is a player with Premier League experience and has known Arteta since his days at Manchester City. Therefore, he could be a shrewd signing if the Gunners are able to seal a deal.

Arsenal failed to bring in another defender on deadline day and Arteta’s defense now looks worrying. The Gunners are left with just six senior defenders after selling Rob Holding to Crystal Palace. Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares also left the club last week.

Arteta must now use William Saliba, Ben White, Jakub Kivior, Alexander Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Magalhaas as his defensive options until a transfer window.

Arsenal’s defensive depth has dropped significantly compared to last season. Hopefully the Gunners will be lucky to have minimal injuries and don’t have to worry about a lack of reinforcements at the back this summer.