Reyes admits Vieira move a Real possibility

Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes has admitted that Patrick Vieira moving to Real Madrid is a realistic possibility – but said he hoped the Frenchman would stay at Highbury.

Reyes made the move from Spain to England during last season’s gap in the transfer window and now the speculation is that Vieira will move the other way to La Liga.

Reyes old Diario AS: “They talk about his possible move to Madrid in the dressing room, but I don’t know anything, what’s more I have not spoken to him about it.”

The young striker arrived at Highbury from Sevilla for £20m (€30m) in the most spectacular move of the January transfer window.

And now Reyes, who could make a return to the Spain squad to face Venezuela after missing out on the European Championship this summer, is hopeful Vieira will decide to stay with the Premiership champions.

“I hope he doesn’t leave, because he is a fundamental player for us,” said Reyes, who showed glimpses of his talent during Arsenal’s charge to Premiership glory last season.

“But if Real Madrid were able to sign him, I am certain they would be 100% correct to do so. “I think he is a great player – probably the best midfielder in the world.

“He is an absolute monster when you need a battler and he’s in incredible shape.”

Vieira’s future may be uncertain, but Reyes laughed off any suggestions that Thierry Henry, who was also on Madrid’s wish-list last season, could also be leaving London.

“He will certainly stay here, he and Vieira are like gods at Arsenal and I would be surprised if they left,” he said.

Reyes added that he also saw his own future with Arsenal and says he is eager to build on his progress last season.

“I am very happy here and with a real desire to do something important this season. What I learned last year has been a great help and this season I hope to score a lot more goals,” he added.