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Arsenal 'close to Vela deal'

10/11/2005

Arsenal look to have won the race to sign talented Mexican teenager Carlos Vela, according to reports in the player's home country.

The 16-year-old impressed during a trial at Highbury and this prompted Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to step up his efforts to land the forward who top scored in the recent world under-17 championships.

Vela is currently contracted to Chivas of Guadalajara and although he cannot apply for a work permit to move to north London until he turns 18, his club's vice president Nestor de la Torre has told reporters that a deal has in principle been agreed with Arsenal.

"Given our expectations and what we are looking for in a sporting sense and in terms of economic structure, the club is satisfied," he said.

The player himself has also been quoted as saying: "My desire is to go to Europe and it's all set up with Arsenal. I'm very excited. I have always dreamed of an opportunity like this and I don't want to waste it."

Reports have suggested Vela will spend one season with Valencia before moving to Arsenal to bypass red tape issues.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have both previously expressed interest in the Mexican, who is valued at about £2 million, and the player himself said last month that Spain was his preferred destination.

"My future is in Spanish football," he told the Es Mas newspaper.

But it looks as though Wenger has secured yet another highly talented youngster for what could prove to be a bargain price, following his past captures of the likes of 18-year-old starlet Francesc Fabregas.

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