The Spaniard left the Gunners for Atletico Madrid, but has spent much of the season out on loan.
When Arsene Wenger clinched the signing of young midfielder in 2006 it was hailed as a major coup.
He had been attracted from Barcelona’s youth academy in a similar way to compatriot Cesc Fabregas and described by Wenger as an ‘amazing player.’
The move caused controversy in Spain, with Barcelona sueing the youngster for £2 million, claiming they had given him a ‘football education’ only for him to walk out on them.
Six years on, the midfielder is still spending his time on the substitutes bench. You have to wonder if he stands by his decision to leave the Emirates in 2010.
He only made a handful of first team appearances for the Gunners, scoring two goals- against Liverpool in the League Cup and Bolton in the Premier League.
He was loaned to Spanish club Real Sociedad in January 2008, giving him a taste of La Liga which would lure him back.
Back at Arsenal the club had done their best to ease him into the first team, but midway through the 2009-10 season it became clear he had been swayed towards a return to La Liga, and signed a pre-contract agreement with Atletico Madrid.
His first season at Madrid was mixed, playing in just under half the games and failing to nail down a first team spot.
He was loaned to Portuguese side Braga this season, but was so out of favour he made just eight first team appearances all between August and the end of January.
So Madrid recalled him, realising the loan of no benefit to anyone. It has hardly been the start to his Atletico career he would have envisaged.
He is hoping to make the most of his second chance, but will have to work hard to get into Diego Simeone’s side.
If he can’t do it, he may join the likes of Alexander Hleb and Nicolas Anelka in wishing he had never left Arsenal.
image: © wonker
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
