Julio Baptista has been
told that Arsenal will not take up the option of signing him
permanently.
The Brazilian agreed a season-long loan with The Gunners last
summer, with Jose Antonio Reyes moving to Real Madrid in
exchange.
Wenger has now travelled to Madrid to discuss both players'
futures, and has reached the decision that he does not wish to keep
Baptista.
"Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can
do is return to Real Madrid," said Baptista.
Baptista struggled to break into the Arsenal side initially but
injuries to key players gave him the chance to become more
influential.
He feels he improved as the season progressed and admits he will be
sad to leave.
"I have enjoyed my first season with Arsenal and in England.
"I adapted well. I didn't play much at first but finished much
better. The first year is very difficult.
"The English league is very strong and very competitive with great
teams."
While he was in Spain, Wenger is also believed to have been asked
about Cesc Fabregas.
Speculation suggests Real are lining up a huge bid for the young
midfielder, in the region of 25million (£17million).
According to reports in Spain, Wenger has agreed to meet with Real
sporting director Predrag Mijatovic later in the summer to discuss
a possible transfer.
