Arsenal contacted Pablo García’s camp in the final days of the transfer window but ultimately stopped short of submitting an offer.
That is according to Estadio Deportivo, who have now revealed what happened behind the scenes with the failed move.
It provides some clarification after Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragón said the deal with Arsenal had appeared to be “done”.
The Spanish newspaper says the Gunners’ interest was very real. However, the expected proposal never actually arrived.
Arsenal contacted García’s camp
Arsenal made their move through intermediaries towards the end of the window. They informed García’s representatives that they wanted to sign the Real Betis youngster.
The figures being discussed would have been easily affordable for the Premier League side. Estadio Deportivo explain that Arsenal viewed the 20-year-old as a signing for the future.
There was no expectation that García would immediately compete for a place in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Instead, Arsenal’s plan was to buy the winger and then find him a club on loan.
That led García’s camp to start working on possible destinations. Racing Santander appeared as one option, while Getafe were also considered. Earlier in the summer, Hull City and Wolverhampton seemed to be options as well.
In other words, Racing were initially being lined up as a potential temporary home for an Arsenal player.
Expected Arsenal offer never came
Things then changed on deadline day. Estadio Deportivo say Arsenal’s “intention to make an offer” was never formalised.
That is the crucial new detail after Aragón’s comments last week suggested the transfer had been much further along. So with Arsenal failing to follow through, Racing spotted their opportunity.
The Spanish club switched from discussing a loan to trying to sign García permanently. They eventually agreed a deal with Betis for 50% of his rights. The operation was worth close to €5m (£4.3m), with Betis retaining a matching right on future offers.
So Arsenal appear to have done much of the groundwork around García without taking the final step.
They contacted his camp, made their interest clear and were already considering where he would spend the season. What was missing was the offer itself.
That gave Racing the chance to turn what could have been an Arsenal loan arrangement into a permanent signing of their own.
