Racing Santander sporting director says Arsenal pursued winger Pablo Garcia

Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon stated that Arsenal attempted to sign winger Pablo Garcia before the player completed his transfer to the Spanish club. Garcia left Real Betis on deadline day after a 15-year tenure at the organization. Although reports suggested his departure was linked to the financial requirements of re-signing Dani Ceballos, Real Betis maintained the move was motivated by sporting reasons. Aragon claimed negotiations with Arsenal were nearing completion before the terms shifted from a loan to a shared ownership deal. The 20-year-old winger registered 34 appearances last season, primarily for the Real Betis second team, and played 378 minutes across 20 La Liga matches. Arsenal previously monitored the player’s progress during the previous autumn, though the club did not confirm an official move.

• 4:05 PMYahoo Sports — Arsenal almost signed Spanish winger on deadline day