What Barca think of the idea of signing Arsenal's Mustafi

Barcelona want to hold on for Eric Garcia instead of accepting an offer from Shkodran Mustafi’s agent to sign his client.

SPORT have learned that even though the club like his profile, Garcia is the priority.

The Man City and Spain centre-back is the top target to bring to the club in the January window. If City will not negotiate then they will sign him for free from the summer. That decision will be taken by the club’s next president, whom we will learn of after the election on Jan 25.

Earlier the agent of Arsenal defender Mustafi confirmed to a SPOX journalist that he is in Barcelona to discuss a potential deal with the Catalans. Emre Ozturk posted on social media of himself outside Camp Nou with the message “Ready for the meeting”.

The German is out of contract in June and at 28 sees this as a big chance to move on in his career. It remains to be seen whether the proposal is for a free transfer for the summer or an economically cheap move for January to provide back-up. Mustafi knows La Liga, having played for Valencia before going to London.

Gerard Pique is out for several months and Barcelona have been relying on young duo Araujo and Mingueza. Clement Lenglet had not been in good form until against Valladolid when he scored, and Samuel Umtiti is not in shape yet. 

Mustafi is barely playing for Arsenal. He started the season injured and his last minutes were in week seven against Manchester United. Since then he has not featured in the top flight. He did play against Man City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, with Arsenal thrashed 4-1 by Man City.

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