Reyes believes in Gunners' title chances

Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes is optimistic the Gunners can stay close enough to Chelsea to mount a serious challenge for the Barclays Premiership title.

Last season saw reports Reyes was unhappy at Highbury given fuel by a spoof phone call, broadcast on Spanish radio, in which he implied he was keen on a move to Real Madrid.

But Reyes, currently preparing for Spain’s World Cup qualifier against San Marino tomorrow, is content in north London, even though Arsenal are already lagging behind unbeaten leaders Chelsea this term.

He told Spanish sports daily AS: “I’m not complaining, thanks to God, things are going better and better for me on the pitch and frankly I am very happy.”

Arsenal won the title in Reyes’ first season at the club, and although they have since been second best to Chelsea, he hopes to restore them to the pinnacle of English football.

“Chelsea are still better than we are and on top of that they have some great players,” he said.

“With the owner they have, they can sign any player they want in the world.

“However, we are still calm about things, we are going to take things at our own pace and try to catch up with them in the end.”