Rey of sunshine for Atletico

Arsène Wenger will be breathing a sigh of relief that he has finally seen the back of José Antonio Reyes but Arsenal's loss will nonetheless be Atlético Madrid's gain as the Spanish international has become the latest in an extraordinary summer spending spree at the less fashionable club from the capital. With his searing pace and powerful shot, Reyes would walk into most sides and it was only the sheer weight of numbers of Galacticos at Real Madrid that reduced the majority of his 30 appearances last season to cameo roles. Now, though, the £6-10m signing (depending on what paper you read) is likely to have a huge impact at Real's city rivals. All the talk in Spain this close season has been about Real Madrid, who seem certain to capture Arjen Robben this week, and Barcelona, after the arrival of Thierry Henry, but Atlético have certainly become a force to be reckoned after parting with nigh-on £50m to strengthen their squad. In addition to Reyes, who has vast experience for a 23-year-old, the arrival of Diego Forlán has been a huge coup for the Mattress Makers. The Uruguayan striker may have been a flop at Manchester United but has taken to the Primera División like a duck to water, scoring 25 league goals in his first season at Villarreal and 19 last term. He has already got off the mark this season, scoring on his debut in the Intertoto Cup at the weekend and looks a worthy punt at 14/1 with Paddy Power. In addition to Forlán, Atlético have shelled out Abrahamovich-like sums on quality midfielders in Simão, Luis García, Cléber and Raúl García and, although a long shot, they are exceptional value for a runners-up spot if one of Barça or Real slip up at 50/1 with Ladbrokes. They will certainly push Sevilla and Valencia all the way for third and so the 11/2 about them finishing top without Real Madrid and Barcelona is also an attractive BetDirect proposition. Javier Aguirre's side can also be expected to do well in the UEFA Cup, after reaching the second qualifying round. The draw on Friday will most likely throw up dead wood and so it is no surprise to find them third favourites to win it at 16/1 (Paddy Power and SkyBet). Verdict: 1pt e/w Atlético Madrid without top two @ 11/2 (Bet Direct); 1pt Atlético to win UEFA Cup @ 16/1 (Paddy Power, SkyBet); 2pts Atlético Diego Forlán to finish top scorer in Spain @ 14/1 (Paddy Power)