Arsenal are ready to finalise a
deal with Real Madrid for striker Julio Baptista, according to
reports in Spain.
The Brazilian ace is currently on a season-long loan deal from the
Spanish giants with Jose Antonio Reyes moving in the opposite
direction.
Following a slow start to life in England, Baptista has impressed,
particularly in cup competitions, and manager Arsene Wenger is now
ready to retain the Samba star.
The North Londoners are believed to be in advanced talks with Real
for Baptista, although the club's option of 20million
(£13.6million) is likely to be negotiated.
However, The Gunners are unlikely to be able to use Reyes in the
deal as Real are not looking to make his Bernabeu stay a permanent
move.
Uefa Cup holders Sevilla have been linked with a move for their
former star, although nothing official has come from the Liga's
joint-leaders.
