Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
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Real step up Reyes chase

14 Aug 2006 - 16:58:08

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Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is confident of securing the services of unsettled Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes before the summer transfer window closes.

Calderon has admitted defeat in his attempts to sign Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas, but believes a deal to land his club and international team-mate will prove more straightforward.

Reyes has made no secret of his desire to return to Spain after struggling to settle in London following his arrival from Sevilla in January 2004, and Calderon has now given Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic permission to negotiate a transfer.

He said: "The player wants to be with us and it's in the hands of Mijatovic, who is looking for the best solution to close the deal."

The 22-year-old has already told Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger he wants to leave and is hopeful that the two clubs can agree a deal before he is scheduled to return from international duty at the end of the week.

"I have said to Wenger and the chairman of Arsenal that the offer from Madrid is irresistible for me," Reyes was quoted as saying in AS.

"It is a dream that I want to fulfil and now the only thing that is lacking is an offer which is also good for Arsenal.

"Wenger already knows that I want to go away."

He added: "My intention was one of not having to return to incorporate myself into working with Arsenal, but that will be necessary if the negotiations do not finish soon.

"I have put everything in on my part. I have taken all the opportunities and continued to work hard for Wenger.

"The coach knows that I have had problems adapting to life in England. If we do not reach an agreement, it would be something bad for Arsenal and me."