According to fresh reports, Chelsea are considering a surprise January swoop for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia, as Enzo Maresca looks to reinforce his defensive ranks and potentially reunite with another former Manchester City player.
The 23-year-old Spaniard, who is currently on the books at Barcelona, has emerged as a potential target for the Blues as they explore cost-effective options to strengthen their backline. Chelsea’s defensive issues have been well-documented this season, and the club is keen to add depth and experience to the squad heading into the second half of the campaign.
As reported by Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Garcia is on Chelsea’s radar, although Barcelona are believed to be negotiating a contract extension with the player before the January window opens. Should those talks stall, the former City man could be available for a cut-price deal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.
The move would continue Chelsea’s growing trend of recruiting ex-Manchester City talent. The likes of Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens have already swapped City blue for Chelsea blue in recent years — and Maresca, who previously worked as a coach at the Etihad, could see Garcia as another familiar and tactical fit for his system.
However, not all fans are convinced. Despite Garcia’s technical ability and experience at two of Europe’s biggest clubs, his defensive consistency has often come into question. Many supporters believe Chelsea should instead prioritise signing a commanding centre-back capable of making an immediate impact rather than adding another rotational option.
Still, the financial aspect could make the deal appealing. Garcia’s potential availability on a reduced transfer fee aligns with Chelsea’s current transfer strategy — targeting young, talented players with resale value while staying within budgetary limits.
Whether the Spain international would represent a genuine upgrade remains to be seen, but his tactical familiarity and passing range could appeal to Maresca’s possession-based system.
Chelsea’s hierarchy are expected to assess their defensive situation closely in the coming weeks, especially with Levi Colwill ruled out for the season and Wesley Fofana still recovering from injury.
If negotiations open, a winter reunion between Maresca and Garcia could quickly become one of the Premier League’s more intriguing January storylines.
