YOUNG GUNNERS IN SPAIN – Four Arsenal kids in La Liga

By Liam Bambridge
Updated: 18 January, 2012

Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad)

Vela first arrived in England over six years ago, but has spent just three of those in England. Having done his time with Salamanca and Osasuna and duly gained his work permit in the summer of 2008, he seemed destined to be a future Gunners star when he scored a Carling Cup hat trick on his full debut.

However having signed a long term deal in December 2009, he was out on loan again to West Bromwich Albion just a year later, and at the start of this season he was allowed to return to Spain for another season long loan, this time with Real Sociedad.

Vela is clearly a talented player, as this goal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaSDA8gD6cA last month against Malaga demonstrates, but one cannot help feeling that he has sent back to Spain to put himself in the shop window ahead of a move in the summer before that long term contract runs out completely.

Just two goals in twelve Sociedad appearances so far is hardly likely to convince Wenger that he has made a mistake in loaning him out again.

Future Arsenal first teamer?

Not inconceivable, but highly unlikely.

Continued to NEXT PLAYER