Racing's sporting director Chema Aragon has disclosed that Arsenal were on the verge of signing striker Pablo Garcia from Real Betis.
The potential deal was set to unfold on the final day of the transfer window.
However, the 20-year-old player ultimately made the move to Racing, in a deal worth around £4.3 million under a co-ownership arrangement.
Aragon provided further insight into the transition:
"It seemed that everything was settled with Arsenal, and then we also entered negotiations for a loan. But yesterday everything changed, and what looked like a loan turned into a co-ownership deal."
Garcia, who has been with Real Betis since he was just five-years-old, appeared in only two La Liga matches and one in the Europa League last season under Manuel Pellegrini.
Chema Aragon praised the newcomer’s talent, even likening his goal-scoring instincts to those of legendary forward Raul Gonzalez Blanco.
In an emotional farewell, Garcia left his childhood club with tears in his eyes, writing a heartfelt letter to Betis supporters, describing the club as his home after nearly 14 years in their system.
