Vela hoping for Arsenal chance

Mexican eager to link up with Gunners

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 20th December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Vela hoping for Arsenal chance

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Mexican starlet Carlos Vela is looking to join up with Arsenal as soon as possible.

Arsenal signed Vela in November 2005 after being impressed by his performances at the Under 17 World Cup, but he was unable to obtain a British work permit and has had to spend the last two years in Spain.

He is currently on loan at Osasuna and is continuing to catch the eye, but he admits his goal is to make it back to Emirates Stadium.

"I hope to join them (Arsenal) as soon as possible," Vela, now 18, told Spanish newspaper Libero.

"I will keep on working hard to improve to fit in quickly."

Vela has been supporting Arsenal from afar and is hoping Arsene Wenger's side can build on their impressive start to the season.

"I'll definitely be following them and I want them to stay on top in the Premier League," he said.

"I'm also happy that Arsenal made it through to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. It would be nice if they get a rival from the Spanish League."

Vela is expected to qualify for a Spanish passport in January 2008, at which point he will not require a work permit in England and will be able to link up with The Gunners.