Inter ask Barcelona about the possibility of signing defender Eric Garcia

Inter Milan and Barcelona have been talking for some time about possible deals this summer. The Italian club have already met several times with the Blaugrana and hves asked about possible signings for next season.

One of their targets was Franck Kessié, but the operation is extremely complicated and in recent weeks they have shown an interest in the future of Eric Garcia, a player Barça will open the door to if he wants to leave. Inter want to sign two centre-backs and see Eric as a good opportunity.

Barça consider the centre-back position is already well covered with Araujo, Christensen, Kounde and new signing Inigo Martinez. Kounde will become a permanent fixture in the centre of defence because the idea is to sign a specialist right-back for the next season. With this line-up of players, it is unlikely that Eric will have as many minutes as he has had this season and the sporting department considers that he can leave as long as there is a favourable agreement for all parties.

Barça would like a definitive transfer for Garcia, although Inter do not have the resources to buy him this summer. The Catalan club value the player between 10 and 15 million euros and will listen to offers, but the possibility of a loan is not closed either, as long as there is an option to buy him next season. Garcia arrived as a free agent so everything that is taken from a sale would be pure and simple profit.

The player is aware of his situation but his future is not yet clear. He would like to stay at Barça as Xavi Hernandez has always given him a chance, but he also understands that he will be a substitute in the next project and that this is closing the doors to the Spanish national team. In England, he also has a lot of interest although, for now, no proposal from the Premier League has arrived.

Inter Milan will sign two top-level centre-backs this summer and in the past there has also been rumoured interest in Samuel Umtiti after his great year at Lecce. However, the Italians would prioritise Eric Garcia and it would be up to the player to make a final decision. Xavi would like to have the issue of departures ready before the start of the pre-season, although the market is at a standstill and it is unlikely that a firm proposal for Eric will arrive until 1 July.