Arsenal were reportedly once interested in signing Espanyol striker Raul De Tomas. However, the La Liga side refused to sell him under his release clause.
Although, his high wages and constant problems with the manager made Espanyol desperate to sell him. Hence, the forward was sold for just £7M.
ARSENAL AND RAUL DE THOMAS TRANSFER LINKS FULL STORY
According to reports, Arsenal were interested in signing Raul De Tomas in the January transfer window last year. However, La Liga refused to sell him under his release clause. The release clause was reportedly in the region of £60m. “Arsenal called for Raul de Tomas,” Espanyol director Jose Maria Duran admitted at the time.
“But we didn’t even want to talk. We won’t let him go now, no way.”
However, their stance was correct. They were just clear of relegation last year. The La Liga club was finally starting to find some sort of form. Hence, selling their star striker for a fee below the release clause would have seen the chances of relegation go up. Arsenal also discovered the January transfer window and Premier League tax for the players.
ESPANYOL SOLD HIM FOR A PRICE WAY BELOW HIS MARKET VALUE
It was always likely that Tomas would be available for a reduced fee at the end of the season. This is because the La Liga club were safe from relegation. Hence, it was inevitable that the striker would leave in the summer transfer window. However, it looks like they have sold the striker for a much-reduced fee. The striker has finally completed his move to Rayo Vallecano.
Espanyol accepted a fee of just 7 million for the striker. The reduced fee was accepted because of his high wages and disagreements with new manager Diego Martinez. However, the striker will be moving to his new club in January. This was because the deal was completed after the summer transfer window ended. The delay in the move will also hurt his chances of going to the World Cup with Spain.
One thing is certain there is certainly talent in the shoes of Raul De Tomas. However, it looks like Arsenal have managed to do the right thing by not signing him. His ego issues and problems with the manager would not fit the style of Mikel Arteta and Gunners.
Follow us on Twitter to get regular football updates.
