The Future Before Us...Carlos Vela

Wenger has stated that he will not be spending much in the Summer and he may not have to. Wenger has a number of young stars away on long term loans and one that comes to mind is a talented 19 yr old Mexican international Carlos Vela (Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido) currently on loan to La Liga club Osasuna in Spain. Vela hails from the seaside resort town of Cancun and used the opportunity to sign with Mexican club Guadalajara to move his family away from the storm prone area. His appearances in the under 17 Mexican National team during the Youth World Cup found the eyes of European scouts and he soon became a target for Arsenal. Carlos was the tournament top goal scorer. The young man has been signed to Arsenal since 2005 but was unable to acquire a work permit in England. Wenger decided to loan him to Spanish clubs for a couple seasons until his papers were cleared. Last week Wenger made mention that he has decided not to extend Vela's loan period and expects him in England at the start of the pre-season schedule. Anyone that has paid attention to the La Liga this year will be excited to see this lad at the Emirates.

I would liken him to Theo Walcott. These two players are similar in stature and abilities. The most evident difference would be Walcott has a bit more pace but Vela has more control when running at high speeds. Both players are young quick and are able to play in midfield roles or forward roles. I think Vela is more developed as a striker than Walcott and will provide Wenger with options in his offensive line. Vela has already proven that he can take on the best, as was seen when Osasuna played against Spanish champions Real Madrid. Vela's pace saw defensive wall Sergio Ramos resort to scrambling and fouling the young Mexican in order to subdue his progress down the left wing. Carlos has made 27 appearances for Osasuna and has managed to hit the back of the net 3 times and has created 4 assists.

The inclusion of this young talent should provide Wenger with a number of options up front. One being filling the empty space in the left mid field left by the departure of Freddie Ljungberg. Vela's quick pace and dribbling skills should be able to compliment the forward moves of left back Gael Clichy. These two may be able to emulate the partnership that has formed between Eboue and Sagna on the opposing wing. Another option would be to place Vela in a supporting striker role. He would be able to drift out to wing to service Adebayor, or press into the box and take a shot on goal. Wenger also has the option of placing Vela and Walcott on opposing wings and then grant them the freedom to inter change. I dont think defenders will be having happy dreams of such a partnership coming towards them. I cant wait to see Vela don the colours of Arsenal, welcome home.