After his side basically resolved the Champions League qualification equation after their 1st leg against Dinamo Zagreb, Arsene Wenger took some time and spoke about Juan Antonio Reyes' situation. Believed to have been offered a deal by Real Madrid, the player gave some contradictory statements in the Spanish & English media. So nobody really knew where the midfielder will play the next season.

The Spanish sports newspapers stated that Reyes asked Wenger not to play him against Zagreb. The motive was that, if bought by Real Madrid, he would not be able to play in the Champions League. And, even if he stated that he will use Reyes Tuesday night, Wenger kept the player on the bench.

At the press conference after the game, the Frenchman gave an explanation for his choice: "I feel Reyes, with all the noises made about his transfer with Real Madrid, has been unsettled. I don't think he had the right concentration. The fact he will be cup-tied did not come into my mind. I am confident that he will stay with Arsenal. I do not send messages out. I send a good team out with chance to win. You can take all the conclusions you want".

The Arsenal coach was not very pleased when hearing about Reyes' desire to stay out of the field in his side's preliminary round. Still, he could have ended all the talks about Reyes leaving the club by playing him on Tuesday. Why? If playing for Arsenal in the CL, Real Madrid would have given up on the player. His own agent confirmed it yesterday.

"If he plays it will complicate the move. Real Madrid do not want to invest a large sum in a player who cannot play in the Champions League. It appears that the clubs have begun talking and we are waiting to see if they reach an agreement. It's an open secret that Jose Antonio wants to play for Real Madrid. He is very happy at Arsenal because they have treated him very well but he misses home and has always made that clear", said Rodriguez de Moya, Reyes' agent.