Arsenal's strategy in the transfer market throughout the past few years with Edu Gaspar at the helm has dragged the club to the pinnacle of English football once again. Mikel Arteta's squad is well covered in every position with the core of the side purchased under the sporting director.
The Gunners' current squad has been carefully handpicked over the course of the past few years as part of Arteta and Edu's overhaul at the club. From Thomas Partey in 2020 to Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale in 2021, the business in the market has been exquisite for the most part.
But arguably two of the smartest pieces of business completed in recent times is the double signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko (£32m) and Gabriel Jesus (£45m) from Manchester City. The duo have contributed to Arsenal's stunning performance this season, with a Premier League line-up not involving at least one of them all year.
READ MORE: Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke told transfer fee for potential Gabriel Jesus replacement
In years gone by, we've normally seen Man City snap up Arsenal's prized assets by flexing their financial pull. Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Bacary Sagna and Kolo Toure all swapped the Emirates Stadium for Manchester - with all but one winning the Premier League.
But now, Arsenal could be lining up another move for an ex-City player in Eric Garcia. The centre-back is currently plying his trade in Spain with Barcelona after moving on a free transfer in 2021.
Garcia, who Pep Guardiola has called a 'top player', has made 57 appearances for Barca but has struggled for regular starts for Xavi this season. Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde have been preferred more often than not and his position has now been placed in further doubt.
Reports in Spain have suggested that the Spanish giants have agreed to sign Athletic Bilbao left-footed centre-back Inigo Martinez on a free at the end of the season, meaning Garcia's services could be available.
According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are keen on signing Garcia in the summer after stating their interest in the January transfer window. The report claims the 22-year-old refused their offer before Jakub Kiwior was signed.
Garcia has previously worked with Arsenal boss Arteta during his Manchester City days. There was even supposed interest ahead of the January 2021 transfer window after he turned down a new contract from City.
Arsenal are blessed with options in Garcia's position. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed one of the strongest partnerships in Europe with Rob Holding and Kiwior as deputies.
READ NEXT:
Stunning new Arsenal kit design emerges for 2023/24 home shirt with Premier League prediction
Latest Arsenal injury news as four miss Leeds United amid Thomas Partey worry
Arsenal US tour 2023: How to buy tickets for MLS All-Star game and when they go on sale
Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen reveals Arsenal transfer talks
Erling Haaland injury latest: Barcelona visit, Man City return hint, Arsenal title boost
