Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is eyeing Barcelona defender Eric Garcia for the January transfer window.

Arteta is keen on Garcia, having worked with him at Manchester City, says Sport.

The 22-year-old has tumbled down the pecking order at Barcelona over the last few months and is said to find himself in a 'difficult situation' at the Nou Camp as a result of his lack of regular action.

Xavi is reportedly determined to keep his current squad intact until the end of the season, though, which could spell trouble for Arsenal's hopes of bringing Garcia to north London in the not-too-distant future.