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Arsenal: Close to agreement with Real?
Written by Sawyer | 14th August 2006 | 11 Comment(s)
Real Madrid's Italian coach Fabio Capello was quoted in the Spanish Daily El Pais that he was still hoping to reach an agreement with Arsenal to sign their Spanish forward Jose Antonio Reyes.
It was also reported that the club's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic had been in London to try and purchase the Spaniard, but the two clubs had yet to reach an agreement over his value.
Real are said to be prepared to offer between £15 and £18 million, while Arsenal are reported to want over £20 million. Reyes joined Arsenal for a club record fee of around £17 million in January 2004, although there is probably at least one instalment still due to Sevilla from his transfer to London.
The 22-year-old was left on the bench for Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday because manager Arsene Wenger believed he had been distracted by the speculation about his future.
While Wenger remains hopeful that the young Spaniard will remain at Arsenal, Reyes has often been the butt of speculation that he has wished to leave the club for a Spanish club for a number of reasons: the language and that his family also wish to return to Spain being the most regularly put forward.
Reyes has been quoted on several occasions that he would one day like to play for Real Madrid, but each time has followed by publicly stating that he will be true to Arsenal while the club want to keep him.
He has also signed an extension to his contract at Arsenal which would seem a strange thing to do if he was that unhappy, but then again so did Ashley Cole so sometimes these agreements may suit the clubs when they eventually sell to maximise the amount of funds that can be gained.
Reyes served early notice of his talents when arriving at Highbury with a stunning strike against Chelsea in the FA Cup, a match in which he also scored the winner.
His first full season began with a glut of goals and sparkling performances until running into an experienced Gary Neville at Old Trafford, which is the polite way to put it.
Following that x-rated performance from England's right-back Reyes has found goalscoring consistency hard to come by, although he does provide many opportunities for team-mates and is a willing runner when opponents are in possession.
Wenger has often stated his desire to retain Reyes, but with Freddie Ljungberg, Alexander Hleb, Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie all more than capable of performing a wide midfield role, Arsenal's manager may find a substantial offer too good to refuse.
Furthermore, he could also use Theo Walcott at certain times and at some stage Lauren will return from injury, but may find it difficult to dislodge Emmanuel Eboue from right-back, so could find himself challenging for a role further forward in the team.
One of the reasons Reyes may wish to leave could of course be that he isn't an automatic choice, but a move to Real is unlikely to solve that particular situation for the player.
Real has been busy during the off season recruiting new blood in their quest for top Spanish honours this season by adding three new players to their squad.
They have signed Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro and Brazil midfielder Emerson from Juventus, and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Manchester United.
New President Ramon Calderon has admitted defeat following his original boasts that Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka would all arrive at the Bernabeu, so sometimes we have to take news from Real a little lightly.
However, the situation with Reyes is hitting the headlines far too often for there to be no smoke without fire, but as with Chelsea's bid for Ashley Cole Real may have to raise their offer to secure their man.
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Comments
Comment by Bedlow on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 2:31pm
Comment by Your name here on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 1:03pm
Re: yes is just bullSh** , let him get away coz i can't see him do a gud ting 4 arse. G4L
Comment by Dax on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 9:13am
Vic, You are full of it. Can you not come up with an original thought? Your blog posting is a great summary of everything that's been posted on this subject over the last week. Dah...I'm getting tired of reading the same old drivel. Yesterday's newspaper is only good for wrapping up the fish-and-chips.
Comment by nightmook on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 8:13am
andrew@8pm - it is indeed a moot point (or even a mute point as you put it) as he was more than happy to sign a contract 'til 2011 just last year.
Comment by waldo on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 3:14am
What about getting Baptista plus £14 for Reyes? He didn't settle at Real after injury last year but is still undoubtedly a quality player. Arsene rates him and he's got the strength to succeed in the premiership. Plus we should pick up Appiah to strengthen central midfield for cold tuesday nights at Bolton. He can get a foot in and play our quick passing game. Any money for Cashley could be invested in strengthening other areas seeing as we have Hoyte, Clichy, Flamini and the youngster Traore who can all play left back.
Comment by andrew on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 2:00am
who really knows what going through his mind or if he will ever adapt. Either way its a mute point, cos HE wants to leave (or so says every spanish paper and his agent). So nuff said. Let him go. I am suprised that he speaks so passionately about Real Madrid considering his previous club hates them.
Comment by Kevin on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 2:27am
If he wants out then let him go but Arsenal must then spend big. Miroslav Klose to help Henry and Ribery for Reyes. A physical centre half is also required and I hope Wenger has his scouts on full alert for a world class goal keeper sooner rather than later. Reyes does not get enough goals for my liking and I am getting a little sick of all the bleating to Spanish press men then denials back in the UK.
Comment by Joe_@** on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 1:42am
rvp is good as a winger no doubt but he is even better as a striker. he is somewhat a breed inbetween bergkamp & van nistelrooy, hence i believe he operates better as a striker as he has a lethal finishing. as for reyes, he played really well last season but only in the absent of henry. it's kinda strange that he seemed uncomfortable whenever henry is playing along. maybe their style of play is too similiar. both players wants the ball at their feet in the third quater and both players love to drift to the left whenever the box play is too saturated. also both have great technique & speed. maybe henry is slightly better in front of goal & handles physical challenges better but reyes makes up with his high work rate. pity that reyes & henry couldnt operate effective together as both would clash into each other's territories. maybe english football does not suit him but his tremendous potential is never in doubt. before he left for arsenal a few season ago, zidane & beckham both quoted that he was the best spanish youngster playing in la liga, ahead of fernando torres.
Comment by davo on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 12:57am
If Reyes goes then we have to buy, and buy big. Ribery, yaya toure, appiah...get the lot wenger!
Comment by Donjohnni on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 12:28am
Insightful comments as always. I hadn't thought about Van Persie tending the left wing before, so thanks for highlighting that. VP was great for Holland in the world cup on the wing; tracking back and defending like a madman if the need be!
Comment by ismail bala on Tuesday 15 August 2006 @ 12:17am
well i think reyes is one of those few arsenal players who find it difficult to blend with the team's style of play, so much have been said about his inconsistency, but i still believe he has a future with arsenal, though he is going to face a stiff competition in that wide midfield role, probably, he should play more of attcking role this season
I never enjoy the game each time I see Reyes on the pitch, just let him f**k off 2gether with Cashley. Buy a Keeper,Yaya & Appiah. Appiah works hard we all know.