Arsenal have confirmed that Jose Antonio Reyes has joined
Atletico Madrid for an undisclosed fee. Reyes, who is set to sign a
four-year deal, will have a medical on Tuesday before being
officially unveiled. Atletico were seen as favourites to sign the
23-year-old for a reported £6m after Real Madrid apparently refused
to offer more than £4m. Reyes was on loan with Real last season and
scored the vital goals against Mallorca to help the side to La
Liga.
An Arsenal statement said: "Everyone at Arsenal thanks Jose Antonio
for his contribution to the club and wishes him the best of luck
for the future." The winger was close to joining Atletico last
summer, signing a pre-contract deal, before opting to join city
rivals.
Lyon also made a bid for Reyes, who cost Arsenal £10.5m when he
arrived from Sevilla four years ago, but they all but admitted
defeat after the player said he wanted to remain in Spain.
Reyes, who has won 21 caps for Spain, made a total of 110
appearances for the Gunners and scored 23 goals. He made 30
appearances with Real, mostly as a substitute, and scored six
league goals.
