Tuesday's Premier League transfer talk news roundup: Eric Garcia, Lionel Messi, Maxi Gomez

Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in the Premier League on Tuesday, December 22.

Tuesday morning's Premier League transfer talk news roundup:

Barcelona 'plan to announce Eric Garcia signing in January'

© Reuters

Barcelona are reportedly planning to announce the signing of Manchester City defender Eric Garcia in January, although he would not be arriving at the club until the summer.

Garcia enjoyed a breakthrough season last year under Pep Guardiola as the 19-year-old established himself as a first-team regular.

However, it was announced that the teenager had turned down the chance to extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium as he wishes to move back to Spain.

Marta Carreras of Catalunya Radio reports that Garcia has his sights set on a return to Barcelona and that a move for the defender is likely to happen, with him joining the club for free next summer.

Players who are in the last year of their contracts are allowed to negotiate and sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January 1, and it seems that Barcelona have had this deal in the pipeline for some time and that they will be prepared to announce the deal next month before he joins following the conclusion of this current campaign.

Garcia has made over 30 senior appearances for City since making his debut in December 2018, with seven of those occurring this season in all competitions.

Arsenal eye Valencia forward Maxi Gomez in cut-price January deal?

© Reuters

Arsenal have reportedly identified Valencia forward Maxi Gomez as a potential target ahead of the January transfer window.

Sitting in 15th position in the Premier League with just 12 goals from 14 matches, the Gunners are expected to make at least one attacking addition at the start of 2021.

According to The Mirror, the North London outfit have taken an interest in Gomez, who is expected to be available for a cut-price fee.

Valencia's financial problems are likely to lead to sales being made over the coming weeks, regardless of any player's status at the Mestalla.

Gomez, one of the Spanish side's most prized assets, scored his fourth goal of the season on Saturday as Los Che earned a 2-2 draw at Barcelona.

However, despite possessing a £125m release clause, the Uruguay international is expected to be available for a fraction of that price tag next month.

More transfer news from Premier League:

Joan Laporta: 'Barcelona have repeatedly lied to Lionel Messi'
Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims that the Catalan club have 'repeatedly lied' to star man Lionel Messi. Read more.

Barcelona 'remain interested in Tottenham's Tanguy Ndombele'
Barcelona remain interested in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, according to reports. Read more.

Dele Alli 'left in the dark over Tottenham future'
Dele Alli is reportedly unaware as to why he was left out by Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho of their most recent Premier League match against Leicester City. Read more.

Bayern Munich chief admits Chelsea-linked David Alaba will leave
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reveals that David Alaba is set to leave the German club . Read more.

Manchester City interested in Everton's Lucas Digne?
Manchester City are reportedly interested in Everton left-back Lucas Digne, but the Toffees hope to tie the France international down to a new deal at Goodison Park. Read more.

Liverpool to include Divock Origi in offer for Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak?
Liverpool may reportedly need to include forward Divock Origi in any proposal to sign Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak. Read more.

Borussia Dortmund block Jadon Sancho return to England
Borussia Dortmund cannot allow Jadon Sancho to return to England for Christmas due to travel bans following the discovery of a new coronavirus variant. Read more.

Tottenham Hotspur lining up £45m move for RB Leipzig's Marcel Sabitzer?
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly lining up a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. Read more.

Arsenal 'open talks with Rob Holding over new contract'
Arsenal open contract talks with Rob Holding and are keen to tie the defender down to a new long-term deal, according to a report. Read more.

Paris Saint-Germain planning Jan Oblak swoop?
Paris Saint-Germain reportedly contemplate a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who is keen to take on a new challenge. Read more.

Lionel Messi insists he is "fine" at Barcelona after "very bad" summer
Lionel Messi openly speaks out about last summer's controversial transfer saga at Barcelona. Read more.

John Stones to be handed new Manchester City deal?
Manchester City are reportedly ready to hand a new contract to defender John Stones, who has recently impressed on his return to the starting lineup. Read more.

Marseille join race for Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud?
Marseille are reportedly ready to join the race to sign Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud, who is out of contract in the summer. Read more.

Robert Lewandowski reveals he was ready to join Manchester United
Bayern Munich attacker Robert Lewandowski reveals that he spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson regarding a potential move to Manchester United in 2012. Read more.

Phil Jones to leave Manchester United in January?
Manchester United defender Phil Jones is reportedly a target for West Bromwich Albion, Burnley and Derby County heading into the January transfer window. Read more.

Tottenham Hotspur 'among four clubs interested in Demarai Gray'
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to battle Everton, Southampton and Crystal Palace for the signature of Leicester City outcast Demarai Gray. Read more.