Reports have just emerged quoting Spanish winger Jose Antonio Reyes’ desire to leave England for greener pastures in Madrid.

If Reyes gets his wish, and the clubs agree to a suitable compensation it would bring an end to a much-hyped, extremely promising, eventually lukewarm two and a half years in England for the former Sevilla winger.

This makes for a very interesting, if expected, turn of events. Reyes hasn’t settled into English life as hoped, he can barely speak English after two years in the country. After that long a stay, if someone still can’t speak essential local language, then it points to a serious cultural inertia and homesickness. To be fair to Reyes, he has always been honest about it and has never let that get to his workrate on the pitch. Last season, despite not having the expected end product of goals, Reyes was one of Arsenal’s hardest working players, right up there with the likes of Kolo Toure and Cesc Fabregas. His assist-rate was very good, and he brought a direct approach to the left-wing that was desperately needed following the decline in form of Robert Pires.

However, his full potential, one that merited the high transfer fee Arsenal paid to Sevilla, was never realized and to most fans and observers, will never be realized in England. He is more suited to the less physical Spanish game (though even in Spain, he was the most fouled player the season before he left for Arsenal), and will probably do much better there than he has at Arsenal. There’s no doubting his ability and technique, and perhaps it will reflect in his form if other variables are taken care of.

Let’s take a look at the various factors that could determine Reyes’ departure, and the terms of it.

First, Arsenal signed him from Sevilla for a fee reported to be around 17 million pounds. However, the deal was structured, and would’ve risen to 17 million pounds based on appearances, success, completion of contract, etc. Right now, reliable sources place the total amount paid for him at just under 10 million. So while this means Arsenal haven’t paid the rumoured high price for him, they would still like to recover whatever they can, and now would be the time to do so, as Reyes still 3~4 years left on his contract. With the arrival of Tomas Rosicky, as well as the potential to play Theo Walcott in that position as a substitute, the left wing position looks covered.

Second, it’s shakeup time at Madrid, new coach, new signings, and what seems to be a new attitude of letting the manager do his job at the Bernebeau (Yeah, right). Fabio Capello has already brought in Emerson and Cannavaro, and will no doubt look to strengthen in other areas as well. His desire for a speedy winger has been well-documented, Cristiano Ronaldo being one of the names on the Italian’s list. This shakeup is relevant as it allows Madrid to perhaps offer one of their surplus players as components in a nominal cash-plus-player deal. Let’s look at the possibilities on that front.

Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of Brazilian international Julio Baptista. Arsenal were very close to a deal with the midfielder last summer before the lure of a Spanish passport prompted Baptista to stay in Spain with the Madrid giants. Baptista, however, never really fulfilled his potential at Madrid (a sequence, perhaps?), being played out of position on the left/right wing and largely coming on as a substitute. Baptista is a player comfortable in a bombing center forward’s role behind an out-and-out striker, and specializes in the defensive midfielder role. He’s strong, and has very good tackling and passing skills.

His position, however, is far from guaranteed as one would expect newboy Emerson to fill the defensive midfield slot and Real aren’t exactly short of options up front with Raul, Robinho, Cassano, Ronaldo and new signing Ruud van Nistelrooy comfortably ahead in line of Baptista up front. All evidence points to Baptista being surplus to requirements. Many people argue that his time at Madrid showed that he can’t cut it with the big boys, however, I’ve already stated his forced cameos in positions other than his own and that would obviously reflect badly on him.

Wenger saw a Vieira replacement in him, a powerful skilful midfielder who scores a lot of goals, and no doubt would jump on the chance to sign him. Who knows, with the right coach who believes in your abilities, and being played in the right position, Baptista could become a success in North London.

While Baptista seems the obvious player Madrid would offer, and one that Arsenal would want, there are two other notables that could be offered a chance to play in England, though I doubt Arsenal would be interested in either.

Madrid have been trying to get rid of Guti for a good three seasons now, offering him to any and every club that seems to be short a midfielder or two. He was a good player four years ago, but right now, his attitude and his lack of commitment on the pitch don’t exactly put him in the top midfielders bracket, and I personally expect him to run out his contract at Madrid or transfer to the official Real Madrid Retirement Home at Internazionale.

The final, and highly improbable, name is David Beckham. For over a year now, it has been speculated (and often hinted at by the former England captain himself) that a move back to England could be on the cards. He longs to return to life in England and find the kind of form that saw him lift every trophy possible with Manchester United.

I doubt this will be the case, at least with the possible Reyes transfer, because of one man: Ruud van Nistelrooy. All intelligent observers agree that the key reason for van Nistelrooy’s instant success in England were the crosses and throughballs of David Beckham. Once Beckham was booted (heh) out of Old Trafford, van Nistelrooy never really found the kind of deadly finishing that saw United lift the title in 2003. Real have probably looked to forge this partnership again, and for that reason alone, would be hesitant to let Beckham leave.

This isn’t the first time Reyes has spoken in the press about his desire to return to Spain. However, it takes a lot more than a player’s comments and wishes to make a transfer happen. Real Madrid may not want the wantaway winger, or may not be prepared to meet Arsenal’s valuation or offer a player that interests the Gunners. Wenger may be hesitant to sell one of his major buys simply because Arsenal have been offloading lately, with Sol Campbell and Robert Pires being released, and Dennis Bergkamp retiring. Ashley Cole is 99% certain to leave, and this alone could prompt Wenger to hold on to Reyes till at least January, or when he has found an adequate backup to Rosicky.

In the top four, Arsenal have been the quietest club, with players mostly exiting. With the Champions League qualifiers looming, Wenger needs to sort out a quality midfielder and defender (or two!) quick or else this season could see the squad even thinner than last season. The signs don’t look good, but there is over a month of transfer activity left, and I doubt Wenger would enter the new season without making adequate replacements.

Who those replacements are, and if they’re good enough, time will tell.