
Premier League
A constant alert is being maintained from London regarding the situation of Eric García at FC Barcelona. At just 24 years old with a contract set to expire in 2026, the Spanish defender has become a major market opportunity for Chelsea. The English club, which has been exploring defensive alternatives for some time, has now focused its attention on the La Masía-trained center-back, whose contractual situation has sparked interest from several Premier League teams.
Chelsea evaluates its operation for January
Chelsea had already shown interest in some Barça players last summer, such as Fermín López and Marc Casadó, but everything indicates that the priority now is Eric García, as reported by TBR Football. His contract with FC Barcelona is entering a crucial phase and, if not renewed, he could negotiate with other clubs starting from January 2026.
At Stamford Bridge, they are aware of this window of opportunity and are considering advancing to secure his signing even before his contract expires. According to sources close to the English club, Eric García's name is on the list of potential signings for the winter transfer market, although from London, they also acknowledge that the defender could sign a new contract with the Blaugrana before that date.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo remains of interest to Chelsea as well, but the feeling is that the Uruguayan does not contemplate leaving Barça, at least in the short term. In contrast, García's situation is much more open and attractive from an economic and contractual standpoint.
The silent battle between Araujo and García
In the offices of Stamford Bridge, they acknowledge that Araujo is a difficult dream. The Uruguayan center-back is considered untouchable by the coaching staff and maintains a strong commitment to the Catalan club. This determination has led Chelsea to shift its focus and observe more closely the evolution of Eric García, whose future at Barça remains unresolved.
Although his release clause amounts to 400 million euros, the English club is not intimidated. They are aware that if Barça fails to renew him, they could negotiate a transfer for a much more reasonable sum. The Blaugrana, on their part, do not want to repeat past mistakes and are hastening discussions to extend his contract. Deco, the club's sporting director, has emphasized the importance of retaining the player, who has shown professionalism and the ability to adapt to different defensive systems.
The context in La Liga and international projection
Eric García’s case comes at a time when La Liga is once again becoming a hunting ground for the top European clubs. The contractual situations of several young players at FC Barcelona have piqued the interest of the most powerful teams on the continent, and Chelsea does not want to be left behind.
For Barça, losing García without financial compensation would be a sporting and symbolic blow. The center-back, who has matured on and off the field after his time at Manchester City, represents the type of player that fits into the new generation of Blaugrana: technical, disciplined, and with silent leadership.
Conversely, in England, he is seen as an ideal reinforcement for a project under construction. Chelsea seeks stability in its defensive line and believes that García can provide it at a manageable cost, especially if he does not renew with Barcelona.
The London club remains vigilant about developments in the Catalan city. While Ronald Araujo remains firm in his commitment to Barça, Eric García emerges as the most viable option to strengthen Stamford Bridge's defense. If the Blaugrana fail to secure his renewal before the summer, the ‘blues’ could capitalize on the opportunity and finalize a strategic signing. The future of Eric García will undoubtedly be one of the most closely followed topics in the coming months in both La Liga and the Premier League.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Chelsea quiere fichar al mayor pilar de Hansi Flick en el Barcelona