Sociedad keen to keep Vela

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay admits the club are keen to discuss a permanent deal for Arsenal striker Carlos Vela in the summer.

Liga outfit hoping to tie up permanent deal for Gunners striker

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay admits the club are keen to discuss a permanent deal for Arsenal striker Carlos Vela in the summer. The Mexico international has struggled to force his way into the first team picture at Emirates Stadium, meaning he has had to look elsewhere for games. He has taken in regular loan spells since 2006, with three of those spent in Spain. The latest has come at Socieded, with Vela having linked up with the Primera Liga outfit on a season-long agreement. He has impressed during his time away from the Emirates and has once again seen his future with the Gunners called into question.

Negotiations

Sociedad are hoping they can convince the 23-year-old to remain with them, with it their intention to hold transfer talks once Arsenal open the door. "It is true, we want the player and we are prepared to fight to close the deal," said Aperribay. "At the moment things have stopped because Arsenal only want to speak at the end of the season. "It will not be easy, but Vela wants to stay here and that could be crucial in the negotiations."