Boehly admits transfer mistake as Chelsea identify surprise January target

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Eric Garcia during the January transfer window.

Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked with a number of centre-backs over the past few weeks and they have earmarked Garcia as a crucial target amid a current defensive injury crisis at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard has struggled to nail down a consistent starting berth since returning to Barcelona from Manchester City in 2021, but his versatility to cover multiple positions in defence means he has emerged as a key player under Hansi Flick.

However, he is into the final year of his current contract at Camp Nou and although Barcelona are locked in talks over a new deal, Chelsea are eager to pounce by agreeing a transfer in January.

That is according to a surprise report from TBR Football, who claim that Chelsea want to lure Garcia away from Barcelona during the winter transfer window.

The Blues were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez this summer, and they have since been linked with fellow Blaugrana stars Marc Casado and Ronald Araujo.

However, Garcia appears to now be the Barcelona star at the top of their transfer wishlist as they aim to take advantage of the financial issues that have impacted the Spanish giants in recent years.

Chelsea decided against signing a new centre-back over the summer, despite Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, but rumours suggest they are keen to rectify this mistake by landing Garcia in January.

Eric Garcia to Chelsea?

Transfer reporter Graeme Bailey told TBR Football: “We know Chelsea tried to sign Fermin, but now sources confirm they would happily have taken Cascado and Garcia too. Interest in Garcia remains, and Barcelona are now working hard on tying him down as his contract expires at the end of the season.

“I am told Garcia is someone Chelsea would want in January, but the chances are he will have signed a new deal.

“They have been offered [Ronald] Araujo, and in theory, they do have an interest, but they are yet to be convinced he wants to leave Barcelona, so I do not believe they are pushing too hard on that.

“Should Araujo make it clear he would move, then things could very well change, but as it stands, he really isn’t keen on leaving.”

Garcia has made 125 first-team appearances for Barcelona, scoring seven goals, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at just €14.6 million.

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