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Arsenal were close to signing Pablo Garcia before deadline

By on September 4, 2026

Arsenal were reportedly close to signing Pablo Garcia before the transfer deadline, as per Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon.

After coming through Real Betis’ academy, the 20-year-old made his first-team debut last year but struggled to break into Manuel Pellegrini’s starting line-up.

So, the youngster has decided to join newly promoted side Racing Santander permanently to play regularly and develop his career.

Now, during a recent press conference, Aragon has said (via Metro) that Arsenal were close to signing Garcia, but Racing eventually swooped in and managed to secure his services.

The La Liga side were hoping to sign Garcia on loan but ultimately opted to purchase him, with Los Verdiblancos keeping a significant sell-on clause.

Aragon said:

“It seemed like it was done with Arsenal, and then we came in too on loan. Yesterday things changed, and what seemed to be a loan turned into a shared ownership deal.”

Garcia is a technically gifted left-footed right-winger but is comfortable on the opposite side. Furthermore, he can provide cover centrally if needed.

Garcia to Arsenal

The Spaniard is quick, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, likes to cut inside from the flanks, and works hard without possession.

Garcia is a talented young forward and possesses high potential. So, he might have been a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal had they managed to secure his services.

However, he is still a raw talent, and there is a question mark over whether he is ready to perform consistently at the highest level yet.

On the other hand, having already got Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, Arsenal don’t need a new right-winger. But following Gabriel Martinelli’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, the Gunners should’ve bought a new left-winger to support Christos Tzolis.

Eberechi Eze can be deployed on the left wing but is more comfortable centrally. Moreover, Madueke can play on the left if needed.

Meanwhile, the Emirates club bolstered the squad by signing Illan Meslier, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa alongside Tzolis this summer. But they opted to sell Christian Norgaard, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, alongside Martinelli.

Moreover, Ethan Nwaneri has joined Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan deal to play regularly and develop his career.