Wenger says 'hands off Reyes' to Real

Arsene Wenger warned Real Madrid to “forget” about trying to sign Jose Antonio Reyes this summer, insisting the Spaniard would be staying put at Highbury.

Just a couple of months ago, Reyes admitted his homesickness as well as his long-term aim of playing for Real Madrid after being caught out by a hoax radio interviewer.

Since then, Real are reported to have increased their interest in the 21-year-old Spain international, who joined Arsenal from Seville only 16 months ago.

However, Wenger insisted: “I am not aware of Real Madrid getting in touch about Jose and I want to keep him here.

“In my heart of hearts, I think he will be here next season. My determination to keep Jose here is great. I have said many times that I do not buy a player of his age to sell him one year later. If Real Madrid wanted to buy him, they could have bought him a year ago. They can forget it.”

Wenger believes Reyes is only now truly starting to find his feet in the Premiership, having recovered from a mid-season loss of form after being physically targeted by defenders.

The Arsenal boss told the Evening Standard: “It takes you two years to feel completely at home. Jose is improving as a player and he is getting better and better with every game. It would be a shame if he went now and it would be the wrong decision. I think he will stay.”

Wenger also insisted he had not completely given up hope of persuading Edu to stay at Highbury, although he has previously recognised that the club cannot match the Brazilian’s wage demands.

“I am not resigned to the fact that he will leave,” said Wenger, although Edu is out of contract at the end of this season. "It is probably 80% that he will go but I have not given up.”