Arca to set Reid alight

Manager Peter Reid's most expensive summer signing flew in from South America last night after receiving passport clearance.

Now Reid is tempted to play the 19-year-old at Ipswich, insisting: "I would have no qualms about throwing him in. He's a lad who excites me.

"I'm delighted that we can get him into training and assess his fitness. It's superb for Julio and superb for us as a club."

Reid paid £3.5m to Argentinos Juniors for the under-21 international who has spent most of his career at left-back.

But, with Michael Gray starting the season impressively in that role, Arca could be given a chance on the left wing at Portman Road.

Reid said: "People call him a left-back, but he can play in a few positions."

Gray is relishing the challenge from Arca after being recommended to England coach Kevin Keegan by Reid.

Gray said: "I haven't seen him yet. But, if you pay £3.5m for somebody, he's got to be a quality player.

"I know he can play in my position, but that doesn't worry me. All I can do is concentrate on myself and work hard on my game. If I'm in the team, I must be doing something right."

Meanwhile, Reid is waiting to check on the fitness of Slovakian defender Stanislav Varga.

The central defender was substituted in the 4-2 defeat at Manchester City with a knee ligament injury and underwent a scan yesterday.

The summer signing from Slovan Bratislava looks doubtful for tomorrow's trip.

l ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger looks set to contest the charge by the FA of ''alleged threatening behaviour and physical intimidation'' of fourth official Paul Taylor following last weekend's game at Sunderland.

A statement from the Gunners made it clear Wenger has been taken aback by the news.

It read: ''Following the Football Association charging Arsene Wenger with 'alleged threatening behaviour and physical intimidation,' Arsene is certainly surprised by the charge. He is looking forward to providing the FA with a detailed explanation.