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Arsenal - Transfer confusion
Written by JR Walker | 31st July 2006 | 10 Comment(s)
Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes apparently has the Spanish media in confusion with regard to a possible move to Real Madrid.
Asked as to why he wished to make the move he stated that, ‘'I've had not settled well I'm battling to adapting to life in England.''
Real Madrid's president Ramon Calderon has not wasted time in trying to strengthen his squad. Real last won a trophy in 2003 and since his election the new president has already signed Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus) and Emerson (Juventus). Reyes is one of a vast number of top players that are particularly of interest to Calderon and his coach Fabio Capello.
However, Calderon did state that his prime targets were Kaka, Cesc Fabregas and Arjen Robben; all of whom have not been signed.
Effectively Calderon has made a wish-list, but all Presidents or Chairman could do that. If it wasn't for the Italian match-fixing scandal the chances are that only van Nistelrooy would have joined by now so make of that what you will.
However, Reyes said he hasn't settled in England since joining Arsenal from Seville in January 2004. He claimed, ‘'I can not get used to the language or climate in England.''
The 23-year-old said, ‘'my time at Arsenal has been great and I'm greatly indebted to the management staff and supporters who have been wonderful.''
For some time there has been speculation that he would eventually find his way back to Spain, and in particular Real, and with the signing of Tomas Rosicky it may be that the Spanish press think that Arsene Wenger has lost patience with Reyes and will look to get his money back.
With Alexander Hleb, Robin van Persie, Freddie Ljungberg and possibly Theo Walcott all challenging for wide positions Wenger may wish to shuffle his pack.
Reyes has denied these words on Arsenal's website, but the story is very short and not exactly sounding like a player definitely hell-bent on staying.
We have to remember that Ruud van Nistelrooy was looking to remain at Manchester United only a few weeks ago, but now he is a Real Madrid player.
The fun and games that go on with transfers are also emphasised by Patrick Vieira's move to Juventus, where Juve stated they were not interested in the player only to sign him two weeks later.
Reyes undoubtedly possesses immense talent, but it's fair to say Arsenal fans have only seen glimpses of his true potential.
Or is it possible that his two managers aren't quite so sure that he has much more to offer?
Spanish World Cup manager Luis Aragones had claimed that Reyes was better then Thierry Henry, to put it politely, but he didn't include Reyes in his main starting line-up in Germany.
Reyes also found himself overlooked in favour of Robert Pires for Arsenal's Champions League Final with Barcelona, who was subsequently released to join Villarreal which may show what Wenger feels about the Spanish winger?
Assuming Reyes' comments on the Arsenal website are true and he remains at the club, this may prove to be a pivotal season in the young player's career.
If he proves to be a consistent performer for the Gunners then he will be harder to prise away, but if he fails to cement a regular place in the side then it is likely that questions will continue to be raised with regard to his tenure in North London.
Will Reyes leave? Probably not in the near future. However, for a fee that apparently amounts to around £17 miliion Wenger will be looking for a greater return on his investment.
He is still a young player with great technical ability who on his day can be devastating as he showed when making a late match-winning cameo late season against Manchester City.
Reyes has started both his full seasons at Arsenal pretty well and if he can do so again and sustain his consistency then the Spanish media, and Ramon Calderon's of this World, will be forced to look elsewhere.
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Comments
Comment by Tom on Tuesday 1 August 2006 @ 8:50pm
Comment by GunnerPete on Tuesday 1 August 2006 @ 7:36pm
Hi Mr Walker....I apologise for the ignorant mails above, it is not representative of real AFC supporters, only the type we do not want. I urge them to go back to Spurs or Man U, or at least wash their mouths out. As for Reyes, about 1 in 10 overseas players get homesick and want to return home. Not a bit surprising if you think of their ages. I like Reyes but would respect his wish to return to Spain if that is on the cards. If we get Robinho in part exchange , we would benefit a lot and so would Thierry H. Robinho is the only forward I can remember who is fast enough to get on the end of TH14's passes. On another topic, I would love to see AFC insist on Madrid only for Cole. This disgusting little money grabber, coukd give us someone like Guti -plus £10 mill in change to but someone we really want. My own personal choice would be to take Woodgate too, as when he plays he is the best defender on the pitch, and his English !!!!!!!Now I know Arsene wont buy.
Comment by Your name here john musisi on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 10:32pm
Your thoughts l think its better to let reyes go and we get Robinho coz he has failled to shine as he used to be in spain(la liga).
Comment by Ballster on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 9:43pm
And who was it that said Arsenal fans are a thick illiterate bunch ? Shame on them !
Comment by kane on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 8:07pm
i am not a big fan of reyes and i think we payed far too much for him and i wuldnt be sad too see him go but at the same tim i dont rate baptista but would gladly take robinho. Im a season ticket holder and have been for 7 years an reyes jut isnt good enough at premiership level and f**k the weather mate!
Comment by o on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 5:03pm
thts rubbish Baptista is a flop, didnt make the brazil squad...reyes is still young, younger than van persie, and wenger doesnt wna risk a flop, like other teams....veron for manu for example..he's nt going to throw money at a probelm..he's nt stupid 2 buy Davies for £12m or Carrick for £18.6m
Comment by Howard on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 5:02pm
Wenger has disapointed us the funs for a two seasons already, and still he still doesn't want to sell and buy interesting players like Ribery, Odonkor, torres. How long is chealse going to out mascle us. Let Reyes stay, but we need two senior stars on each Number.
Comment by Tom Clancy on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 4:35pm
Hopefully Reyes will go because he is turd. We cannot give up the possibility of getting Robinho or better still Baptista!
Comment by tony on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 2:13pm
When cesc made a short statement you made nothing of it. this article is absolute bollocks.
Comment by Darkins on Monday 31 July 2006 @ 7:33am
Your artical is bollocks do u listen everything u read in the papers. How many times does the guy have to say he wants to stay before u assholes get off his back.
Everyone should read the translation of the full AS interview with Jose on Arsenal-Mania. It's refreshingly honest about his feelings of homesickness and how flattered he is by the links with Real. Above all though, it makes things abundantly clear that he'll be staying at Arsenal.