Arsenal wanted Raul de Tomas this summer but Espanyol have now suggested that the striker was a ‘big problem’ before his move to Rayo Vallecano.
De Tomas – also known as ‘RDT’ – came through the Real Madrid ranks and has grown into quite the striker.
The 27-year-old smashed 15 goals in 38 games on loan at Real Valladolid before spending two seasons at Rayo, hitting 38 goals in 66 outings.
Benfica saw enough to sign De Tomas but three goals in 16 games saw him return to Spain with Espanyol.
De Tomas was back in the goals at Espanyol though, racking up 40 goals in his last two seasons with the club – and attracting major interest again.
Arsenal wanted Raul de Tomas
Back in January, Espanyol director Jose Maria Duran claimed that Arsenal made a call to try and sign De Tomas in January.
Espanyol refused to sell and told Arsenal they would have to pay his £60million release clause.
Arsenal were back in for De Tomas in June but the Gunners found their new striker by signing Gabriel Jesus.
Mikel Arteta may be well aware of what his fellow Spaniard can offer but a move to Arsenal didn’t materialise for De Tomas.
De Tomas has since become the subject of real drama over in Spain.
Rayo Vallecano wanted to sign De Tomas before the deadline but Espanyol stood in the way, upsetting their star striker.
De Tomas has now been sold to Rayo for just €11million (£9.5million) – a far cry from the fee Arsenal were quoted – and it means that De Tomas can’t even play until January now.
The striker released a statement claiming he had been ‘marginalised’ by Espanyol and that they showed a ‘lack of ethics’.
Sporting director Domingo Catoira has now been quoted by Football Espana as saying that De Tomas became a ‘serious problem’ for Espanyol and they just had to get rid of him.
Catoira even suggested that De Tomas was faking injuries in what has become a very explosive row between De Tomas and Espanyol.
Rayo will be happy to have pulled off a real coup but as far as Arsenal are concerned, they are much better off staying away from this drama and moving ahead with a true top-drawer hitman in Gabriel Jesus.
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