Arsenal are lining up an attempt to sign Manchester City defender Eric Garcia on a free transfer, according to the Sun.

The Spaniard has turned down a new contract at the Etihad Stadium as he has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, but the Catalan club’s finances are making it hard to seal a deal for the centre-back.

Barca could not stump up the cash in the summer for Garcia and they are also in the process of trying to slash their wage bill which may even cause them issues in terms of signing players for free.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has worked with Garcia during his time as City’s assistant manager so it is hoped that connection could sway the player’s thinking if the avenue to the Camp Nou is blocked.

Other clubs, including Real Madrid, could also get involved were Garcia to leave City at the end of his contract so there are certainly no guarantees that he would choose a move to the Emirates.