Barcelona look set to keep hold of centre-back Ronald Araujo in the January transfer market despite initial interest from Juventus. However, that will have a knock-on effect on their plans elsewhere, and it is increasingly looking like Eric Garcia could be the odd man out.
Garcia has been deployed as both a central defender and a midfielder this season, and Girona was linked with a new move for him at the beginning of January. The 24-year-old was loaned there last season and is a fan of manager Michel Sánchez, with Girona sporting director Quique Carcel openly admitting they are interested in a return for Garcia.
It was reported that Barcelona had agreed a deal with Girona, but now it appears that both clubs are looking for a better deal – the Blanc-i-Vermells have offered €7 million plus €3 million in variables. Now Fabrizio Romano reports that Garcia is the latest La Liga target for Cesc Fabregas in Como and that they have made a €7 million bid for his services.
On the other hand, Sport quotes Gianluca di Marzio as saying that Como's offer is as much as €10 million, with Fabregas keen to make the move happen. Real Sociedad were also interested in him this summer and are also considering a transfer.
Hansi Flick was initially reluctant to release Garcia due to his versatility and professionalism. But now that both Araujo and Andreas Christensen are fit again, Flick is more open to a transfer. He will likely be their fifth choice in the second half of the season.
The key factor is that Barcelona are looking to strengthen their forward line, and Garcia's departure could free up enough salary space to allow Marcus Rashford to be loaned from Manchester United.
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