Wenger hails capture of 'the Beast'

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2006

LONDON (AFP) — Arsene Wenger believes Brazil midfielder Julio Baptista can provide the power to help Arsenal challenge for the English Premiership title. Baptista, 24, joined Arsenal from Real Madrid just hours before Thursday's transfer deadline as part of a move that saw Spanish winger Jose Antonio Reyes move to the Bernabeu.

Although it initially seemed that Baptista had signed on a season's loan, Arsenal hinted the transfer was a permanent deal after claiming on their website that Baptista had signed for "an undisclosed fee" with Reyes leaving "in a reverse move". Former Sevilla player Baptista, who had turned down a switch to Arsenal last year, has been dubbed 'the beast' in Spain for his aggressive tackling. And Gunners boss Wenger is confident Baptista will help his...