Thursday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Eric Garcia, Paulo Dybala, Taylor Harwood-Bellis

The summer transfer window has now closed, with Manchester City having again focused on bolstering their defence first and foremost.

Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias arrived for a combined sum of more than £100m, while Ferran Torres was another notable signing. Attention will now switch to the January window as Pep Guardiola's side attempt to win back the Premier League title.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Thursday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Arsenal 'monitoring Eric Garcia ahead of potential bid'

© Reuters

Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on Eric Garcia's situation at Manchester City as the Gunners consider a January approach for the central defender.

Garcia's contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire next summer, and Barcelona are seen as the favourites to re-sign the Spain international.

The Catalan giants will allegedly struggle to raise the required funds to sign the 19-year-old in January, though, due to the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

According to The Sun, Mikel Arteta is 'keeping tabs' on the defender, who worked closely with the Arsenal manager when the pair were together at City.

Garcia has played in his team's last two Champions League matches but has only featured on one occasion in the Premier League since the end of October.

The teenager, who was forced off the field in the early stages of Wednesday's European clash with Marseille, has made 30 appearances for the Citizens since arriving from Barca in 2017.

Joan Laporta hints at new Barcelona deal for Lionel Messi

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Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has hinted that a new deal for Lionel Messi could be on the cards.

Speculation over the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's future continues to gather pace as he runs down the final few months on his current Blaugrana contract, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain still linked with a sensational swoop.

Messi opted to see out the last year of his deal after trying but failing to force a move away in the summer, and Laporta has now claimed that Barcelona should table a offer which reflects Messi's importance to the club and convince the Argentine that the Blaugrana can soon conquer Europe again.

Speaking to Sport, Laporta said: "You could argue many reasons for him staying. I prefer to think about what Leo generates, which is a lot – certainly more than his salary may cost.

"I'm not just talking about the sporting level, which is already well known. I consider him the best footballer in history. Leo is so much more than just that.

"In my opinion all players, when they win many titles and generate so much for the club, deserve to be valued accordingly.

"At least that's how I'll try to make it happen. Leo is, I repeat, the best player in the world and possibly in the history of football. What you have to keep in mind is that he loves Barca and has shown that repeatedly.

"He is a club man and is comfortable at Barcelona and in the city. That is another factor that leads us to think the best thing for us is for the Messi-Barcelona relationship to continue.

"You have to be imaginative. Knowing Messi is not guided by money, and I assure you that is the case, we must make a proposal that can convince him Barca has a team capable of winning the Champions League.

"That is essential. It is what will be more valuable to Leo when deciding his future at the end of the season. I am convinced of that.

"Leo and I have a relationship of mutual affection. He knows that whenever I have made him a proposal, it has been fulfilled. Leo knows it and has told me personally he valued that very much. He should finish his career at Barca."

Messi - now 33 - has amassed seven goals and four assists in all comps for Barca this season and is reportedly desperate to line up against Cristiano Ronaldo when Ronald Koeman's man face Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala 'offered to big six'
The representative of Paulo Dybala reportedly offers the Juventus forward to the 'big six' clubs in the Premier League. Read more.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis signs new long-term deal at Manchester City
The 18-year-old academy product was handed his first-team debut in September 2019 and has made six senior appearances in total. Read more.