Arsenal on the verge of bringing Mexican back to the Emirates

Never one to be second-guessed, it appears Arsene Wenger is about to hurl Arsenal fans another transfer curve ball by activating a £3.5m buy-back clause to resign Mexican striker Carlos Vela.

Vela exited the club in 2012 after an underwhelming spell in north London where he failed to make much impression on the Gunners first team.

However, the nimble forward has since flourished in two seasons at Real Sociedad, who took up the option to sign him permanently after the initial season-long loan, where he’s racked up 30 goals in 72 appearances.

His exploits, which include chipping in with 12 assists for teammates this season, clearly haven’t escaped Wenger’s gaze and according to Sociedad’s president, Jokin Aperribay, the deal is done.

“Arsenal have informed us that Vela would be with them next season.”

By rights this kind of club form should have seen Vela turning out for his native Mexico at the forthcoming World Cup, where El Tri are priced at 9/5 to finish second in Group A containing hosts Brazil, Cameroon and Croatia.

But a long-standing dispute between Vela and his nation’s football federation over a suspension back in 2010 has rumbled on unresolved and although he has been offered the chance to get back into the fold, he’s refused.

Great news then for Arsenal fans who should get a fresh and raring-to-go forward reporting for pre-season training.

Although some Gooners will still be feeling a little bemused, there were occasional flashes of brilliance during Vela’s limited exposure at the Emirates, such as a Champions League brace against Braga.

The Mexican also scored a sublime second goal as part of a League Cup hat-trick against Sheffield United back in September 2008. (below)

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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