10 Arsenal Players Who Weren't Worth The Hassle
3. Jose Antonio Reyes
Having arrived from Sevilla in the winter of 2003 for a potential fee of £17 million, the 20 year old striker was to take Wengers men to the next level. On their way to cementing an unbeaten league campaign, the Spanish hotshot was to be the catalyst for a prolonged and sustained period of European dominance. With Reyes forming a healthy alliance alongside the potent Thierry Henry, the duo would become one of the most prolific and revered strike partnerships throughout the continent for years to come. At least, that was the plan.
Following a so-so start to his Arsenal career, Reyes began the 04/05 season on fire, finding the back of the net in each of the first six games. However, once the autumn leaves turned brown, a different animal reared its head, as the Spaniard began to pine for his native land.
In early 2005, Arsenal were forced to deal with a leaked phone call with a prankster perpetrating to be a director at Real Madrid, tricking Reyes into admitting that he would welcome a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu. Citing bad people at the club, Arsenal supporters finally knew the reason for his inconsistent form he wanted out.
Summing up what proved to be a farcical and disruptive season on the Spaniards part, Reyes almost cost his side their only chance at silverware, as he received his marching orders in the FA Cup final clash with Manchester United.
Reyes would have to wait a year to get his wish to return home and sign for the nine-time European Cup winners, with Wengers patience wearing thin following increased attempts from the Madrid hierarchy to unsettle the player. Leaving in a part-exchange, with Julio Baptista going in the opposite direction, Reyes bid adieu to a miserable stay in England. Perhaps he should have read the brochure properly.