On Arsenal's books for several years up until 2012, you'd be forgiven for hoping that Cesc Fabregas was the man in question, especially given that the return appears to be as a consequence of a buyback clause inserted into the original sale contract, but no, it's not THAT prodigal son.
In fact, many supporters will not have realised quite how long Carlos Vela was technically at Arsenal, as much of his time was spent out on loan, as Arsene Wenger sought to give the young Mexican striker experience, match time on the pitch, and generally a chance to mature as a player, while still retaining his services. Periods at Salamanca, Osasuna, and then later at West Bromwich Albion mean that Vela actually only played 29 league games for the Gunners, who originally signed him in 2005, seven years before he finally moved away from the Emirates to Real Sociedad, (a place he'd again been out on loan to for a season), but not before a shrewd move from Arsene Wenger appears to have occurred, presumably because the Frenchman was loath to give up on a player he'd spent time andenergy nurturing, so that if Vela progressed, Arsenal could bring him back to the club.
Vela has certainly taken his chance at Sociedad. 123 games in all competitions has seen a return of 47 goals, and 29 assists, which is impressive, and would compliment Olivier Giroud nicely. Aged 25 he is at the peak of his fitness, and if several reports are to be believed the price would only be approximately £3million, hardly a gamble in these days of £40 million Ozil transfers.
Very much an Arsenal style player, some fans though might see this as not what the club require, as it's long been thought it's time a Drogba-esque player was recruited into the fold. Vela is certainly not a physical specimen like a Lukaku or a Benteke, so may still struggle with the physicality of the Premier League, but with guile and pace in abundance, and a surrounding squad of midfielders oozing with skill, it may just be that Carlos Vela could supply that extra goal threat Arsenal need to last a full season as true Premiership challengers.
All that, and a bargain price to boot. If that doesn't sound like something Arsene Wenger would go for, I don't know what does!
Source: DSG
