Arsenal 'monitoring Eric Garcia ahead of potential bid'

Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on Eric Garcia's situation at Manchester City as the Gunners consider a January approach for the central defender.

Garcia's contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire next summer, and Barcelona are seen as the favourites to re-sign the Spain international.

The Catalan giants will allegedly struggle to raise the required funds to sign the 19-year-old in January, though, due to the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

According to The Sun, Mikel Arteta is 'keeping tabs' on the defender, who worked closely with the Arsenal manager when the pair were together at City.

Garcia has played in his team's last two Champions League matches but has only featured on one occasion in the Premier League since the end of October.

The teenager, who was forced off the field in the early stages of Wednesday's European clash with Marseille, has made 30 appearances for the Citizens since arriving from Barca in 2017.