Arsenal deadline day deal 'was done' as La Liga star left in tears after moving elsewhere
Pablo Garcia was devastated to leave Real Betis(Image: X)
Arsenal saw a deadline day deal stolen from under their nose, according to Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon. The Gunners missed out on signing Pablo Garcia as he departed Real Betis for Racing on transfer deadline day.
Garcia cut an emotional figure in scenes caught on camera as he departed Betis' training ground ahead of completing his move. The 20-year-old, who scored one goal in 21 senior appearances for Betis, had been with the team since he was just five years old.
Aragon claims that Arsenal were looking to sign the young forward before sending him out on loan, with a deal seeming 'done'. But Racing Santander were able to come to an agreement that saw them beat the Premier League champions to the winger, who came off the bench to face the north London side during pre-season.
"It seemed like it was done with Arsenal, and then we came in too on loan," Aragon said at a press conference. "Yesterday things changed, and what seemed to be a loan turned into a shared ownership deal.
"I would describe Pablo Garcia as Raul Gonzalez Blanco, what he has above all else is a nose for goal, that killer instinct, and he usually puts it away.
"My biggest concern was losing that goal-scoring ability for a while after Andres Martin’s injury. When the real opportunity arose to sign that player (Garcia), we didn’t hesitate for a second."
Garcia was forced to leave Betis as the Seville-based side looked to make room for former Arsenal ace Dani Ceballos. The academy product had enjoyed an impressive pre-season but left in a £4.3million deal so that Betis could register the Spaniard.
Pablo Garcia scored his first goal for Real Betis against Valencia last month(Image: Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The Spanish youth international, who has scored one goal in three appearances this term, was driven away from the club by his mother on Tuesday. The tearful star was unable to speak as he instead waved to reporters, and his mother, who also appeared upset, drove away.
Speaking to El Partidazo de Cope, his father, Ramon, admitted it was a difficult time. He said: "Have you seen the boy yet, right? He went to his locker to get his things... and we're having a hard time.
"Well, once he starts training and all that, he's going to give it his all and he's going to make the Racing fans happy, I'm sure of it."
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In a letter to Real Betis fans following his departure, Garcia wrote: "I arrived at Betis when I was five years old. I’m leaving after almost fourteen years growing up with these thirteen stripes.
"I experienced special goals and moments that will always stay with me. Betis has been my home since I was a child. And now, although it’s time to move on, there’s something that doesn’t change.
"I arrived as a Betis fan and I’m leaving as a footballer.’"
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