Arsenal wanted to sign Pablo Garcia from Real Betis
September 4, 2026 00:48
Arsenal were reportedly close to signing 20-year-old winger Pablo Garcia from Real Betis before the September 1 transfer deadline, according to Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon. Aragon told reporters the Gunners were on the verge of securing Garcia and that Racing had intended to take the player on loan from Arsenal.
Instead, Racing completed a direct agreement with Betis. The Santander club purchased 50 percent of Garcia’s rights for about £4.5m, leaving the prospective Arsenal move uncompleted.
KEY CONTEXT
- The comments came from Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon at a press conference reported on September 3, 2026.
- Arsenal made no signings on transfer deadline day (September 1, 2026).
- Reports indicate Arsenal had been willing to pay roughly £7m for Garcia and planned to include a 15 percent sell-on clause; Racing’s offer to Betis reportedly featured a much larger sell-on clause, which influenced Betis’s decision.
WHY IT MATTERS
- The episode highlights Arsenal’s interest in young attacking talent and their willingness to target prospects who would likely be loaned for development.
- Racing’s acquisition of half of Garcia’s ownership represents a different pathway for the player’s immediate future and transfers any negotiating leverage away from Arsenal for now.
- Betis’s choice to accept Racing’s proposal underscores the importance clubs place on sell-on clauses when structuring deals for promising young players.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The report does not state where Garcia will play in the short term following Racing’s purchase of 50 percent of his rights; his immediate club situation remains unclear from the available information.
- It is also not confirmed whether Arsenal will continue to monitor Garcia or seek alternative routes to sign him in future windows.
KEY FACTS
- Source of the information: Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon (press conference).
- Racing bought 50% of Pablo Garcia’s ownership for about £4.5m.
- Arsenal were reported to have been prepared to pay around £7m and offer a 15% sell-on clause.
- Arsenal made no signings on transfer deadline day, September 1, 2026.
- Report date: September 3, 2026.