Carlos Vela will be an Arsenal player next season, reveals Real Sociedad President

Vela in action for Real Sociedad

Carlos Vela looks set to become a Gunner again next season after his former club told Real Sociedad that they want to activate his buy-back clause.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay was desperate to abolish Vela’s release clause and even flew down to London to request Arsenal to sell their rights to the player but finally relented and said: “Arsenal have informed us that Vela would be with them next season.”

The Mexico international has been brilliant for Sociedad since joining them in 2012 and found the back of the net 16 times last season in 34 appearances along with assisting 12 goals.

Vela was not included in his country’s World Cup squad so he could join Arsenal sooner rather than later.

The 25-year-old was snapped up by Arsenal when he was only 17 but spent the majority of his time with them on loan to different clubs and scored just 11 times in six years for the Gunners due to him playing out of position.

Vela’s signing will be a welcome relief to Arsene Wenger who faces a shortage of fire power up front.