Arsenal told £43m transfer condition as Mikel Arteta plots dream deadline day Barcelona raid

Arsenal appear eager to sign a replacement for Jurrien Timber after the Dutchman suffered a horrible injury on the opening day of the new Premier League season

Arsenal have been dealt a major blow to their hopes of signing Eric Garcia from Barcelona ahead of deadline day. The 22-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently as Mikel Arteta hopes to further bolster his options before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

Garcia, who sees his contract at the Camp Nou expire in 2026, featured 24 times for the Catalan side in La Liga last season, helping Xavi's side keep 17 clean sheets. Despite his impressive performances, the former Manchester City ace struggled to establish himself in the Barcelona backline and he was often preferred as a holding midfielder.

With Arteta partial to a versatile profile, Garcia has reportedly emerged as an option for Arsenal late into the summer. However, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Xavi has no intention of letting the Spain international leave so close to deadline day.

The report states that Barcelona would find it 'difficult to accept' an offer for Garcia, but they'd be open to the possibility of selling him if a suitable offer is made. Mundo Deportivo add that the Gunners appear to only view the £43million-rated youngster as a short-term solution with Jurrien Timber on the sidelines.

“The request came to me very late, which surprised me a bit, we have to think of the interests of our club. As of now, I'll continue to work with him."