Txiki offered an extension last year and player did not accept so yes it started more than a year ago since City would be foolish not to have approached the player sooner considering he was entering into the final year of his contract
CAS distraction may not have helped but I doubt very much this played a factor in it. As I have said before, cantera players (Especially Catalan ones) always think about returning and I suspect COVID/confinement played into it as well. Either way, the first rumour linking the player to a return was initiated by the player first by leaking his interest to local media. And as I have also said, that is a prerequisite for a player that effectively left via the back door that wants to return - they must publicly show an interest to return.
In Eric's case, he did it in a very indirect/subtle way but it ramped up after that leak within weeks
I have seen no reports an offer was made as far back as last year. Both of us can only go off what is in the public realm, and speculate off that, selectively believing what sits right with us. Neither can know. Both make some sense, for me one makes more.
What i would say, with best intentions, it is clear thet tolmie on here has links to the club and contacts that matter, and i see no agenda other than sharing what he feels is fine to with other blues. So his saying the club felt garcia was as good as signed will probably carry more weight than random twitter claims. I personally beleive that, and there have been other rumours similar. Perhaps why the club didn't pursue it earlier, in addition to CAS hanging over the whole thing.
Either way, it is simple now, barca pay, or wait. It is on them. The player is happy to wait, club in no rush to offload him. The 10m barca have offeeed, even 15m, for me is not worth it, he is worth more than that for one year, even unused. Because he fills a precious club trained slot, and can offer cover if needed. As a 15m sweetener in the messi deal, perhaps. On its own, not enough.