Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes is hoping the long-running saga over where he will be playing his football next season will be brought to an end in the near future.

Reyes has been heavily linked with a return to Real Madrid for most of the summer, having spent last term on loan at the Bernabeu from Arsenal, while Lyon recently declared their interest in the Spain winger.

Atletico Madrid are also believed to be in the hunt, and reports in Spain suggest they are now in pole position to sign the 23-year-old despite last week bringing in Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa in a deal worth €20 million.

No confirmation of an agreement with any club has yet been announced, but Reyes is keen for the situation to be sorted out soon.

"I really hope that it will be resolved in the coming hours," Reyes said on Spanish television station La Sexta. "I have been training alone so I don't lose my form, but it is not the same.

"I have suffered working alone and without being able to take part in pre-season with my team-mates, and for this reason I am happy because my future is close to being decided."

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently Reyes wanted to join a Spanish side, and the player himself appears certain he will stay in Madrid, with either Real or Atletico.

"We have more news from one team than the other, but we will have to wait to see which one I will join," the former Sevilla player said. "I am happy to stay in Madrid. It is sure that I am going to continue in the capital, although I need to wait a little to see where I will play."