Reyes joined Arsenal after a string of good performances for La Liga outfit Sevilla over nearly four seasons, where he established a reputation of being a creative midfielder with an eye for goal. The transfer cost Arsenal somewhere in the region of £10.5 million.

However, the playmaker was unable to settle in England and in his two and a half seasons with the Gunners, he accumulated 110 appearances netting 23 times.

In the summer of 2006 amid strong interest from Real Madrid, the Spaniard openly craved a move back to his homeland, even refusing to play in a Champions League qualifying game to avoid being cup-tied for the competition. Much to the displeasure of both the Arsenal fans as well as manager he was eventually able to force through a loan move to the Spanish capital.