Chelsea target AGREES contract: Deal is ‘imminent’

Chelsea target Eric Garcia has reportedly snubbed the chance to return to England in favour of signing a new contract at Barcelona.

The former Manchester City defender is into the final year of his current deal at Camp Nou and he has emerged as a legitimate transfer target for both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks amid his contractual situation with the Spanish giants.

However, Garcia has ended speculation of a free transfer move in 2026 by agreeing a new Barcelona contract.

That is according to TBR Football, who claim that Chelsea and Spurs have both been informed that Garcia is off the market, having agreed terms with the Blaugrana.

It’s understood that his new deal will be announced “imminently”, after advanced negotiations with the hierarchy at Camp Nou, with Garcia opting to remain at the club after working his way into favour under Hansi Flick.

The 24-year-old made a total of 45 appearances across all competitions last season, while he has established himself as even more of a regular this term. Garcia has started 10 of Barcelona’s 13 matches so far in 2025-26 and he has ousted Ronald Araujo as Flick’s favoured partner for Pau Cubarsi.

Eric Garcia to stay at Barcelona

Although a deal for Garcia is now off the table, Chelsea and Tottenham are both expected to explore alternative options in the January transfer window.

The former were reluctant to provide Enzo Maresca with a ready-made replacement for Levi Colwill over the summer, however the recent struggles of Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah could potentially tempt them into signing a new centre-back in January.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been tipped to bolster the options available to new head coach Thomas Frank amid rumours that Radu Dragusin will be offloaded after being deemed surplus to requirements in north London.

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