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Arsenal were interested in signing Spanish winger Pablo Garcia from Real Betis before the transfer deadline, according to Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon.
The Gunners made no signings on transfer deadline day, September 1, but it appears they were close to striking an agreement with Betis for Garcia.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Aragon said Arsenal were on the cusp of landing the 20-year-old winger and Racing planned to loan him from the Gunners afterwards.
However, Racing struck a direct deal with Betis instead. They paid around £4.5m for 50 percent of the player’s ownership.
Garcia was seen as a future prospect by the Gunners, and the Spaniard was likely to be loaned out if the club secured his services.
A deal ultimately did not materialise with Betis, who were tempted to accept Racing’s proposal due to the huge sell-on clause.
Arsenal, on the other hand, were prepared to pay around £7m for the young attacker, while offering a sell-on clause of just 15 percent.
