Vela claims return to Arsenal could happen

Carlos Vela admits that he could return to Arsenal despite leaving the Gunners for Real Sociedad in 2012.



The Mexican's permanent move to the Basque club followed a year-long loan spell where he notched 12 goals in 35 appearances.



This season he has added a further 13 goals in La Liga, in stark contrast to a meagre return of three Premier League goals in a six-year stay at Arsenal that was punctuated by loans at Salamanca, Osasuna and West Brom as well as Sociedad.



Vela's form has prompted speculation over a clause in his contract that would allow Arsenal to buy the 24-year-old back.



But while claiming that a move would be possible, Vela is determined to help Socieded, currently fourth in La Liga, into next season's UEFA Champions League.



"Going back to Arsenal? It could happen at any moment, but I don't want to think about it," he told L'Equipe.



"My life is at Real Sociedad, and it is with that shirt that I want to play in the Champions League next season."


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Vela keen on Real Sociedad stay

Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela does not want Arsenal to trigger the €4 million buy-back clause in his current contract as he looks to achieve a top-four finish, and UEFA Champions League football, at the Estádio Anoeta, according to ESPN FC.



Vela, who joined the Gunners from Liga MX side C.D. Guadalajara in 2005, has spent the past two seasons in San Sebastián after failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at the Emirates Stadium.



During his time at Arsenal, Vela was also sent out on loan to UD Salamanca (2006-2007), CA Osasuna (2007-2008) and West Bromwich Albion (2011).



The 24-year-old bagged a team-high 12 goals and seven assists in 35 league matches while on loan at Sociedad in 2011-12, convincing La Real to pay Arsenal €3.5 million to sign the player on a permanent basis.



As part of the agreement, the Gunners have the right to re-purchase Vela for just €4 million, but the Mexican forward hopes to stay at Real Sociedad.



“It could happen at any time, but I don’t want to think about it,” Vela told L’Equipe. “My life is here, and it’s wearing this shirt that I want to discover European football next year.”



In addition, Vela expressed his preference for the Spanish game as opposed to English football.



“It’s physical, and too direct. I prefer possession football and playing it on the floor,” added the Mexico international.



“Because I’m purely left-footed and can’t do anything with my right, I was often stuck out on the left wing, and my main task on the pitch was to send crosses in. Now, I play all over the place, even on the right, and I arrive in front of goal on my good foot.”



Vela has tallied 13 goals and eight assists in 30 La Liga matches for Real Sociedad thus far this season.

Vela desire to stay with Sociedad

Real Sociedad forward, Carlos Vela has recently reiterated his desire to remain with Real Sociedad on a permanent basis and has not interest in going back to Arsenal, should they activate the buy-back clause in his contract.

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In a recent press conference, Vela admits that the fact that his future is not concrete is unsettling, but is hopefully they can all work out some permanent arrangement, while he insists all of his energies are going toward helping the Basque’s reach European competition next season.



“Arsenal are a great team who gave me the opportunity to come to Europe and I have great affection for them, but right now, I’m not there, and when I was there, I wasn’t given the opportunities to grow and show what I could do.



“My head is only about playing well and helping Real finish the season well.



“I like peace of mind and stability, to know where I’m going to play, so we have to work to find an alternative solution with [Arsenal].



“I’m very happy here and if we can’t make it to Europe this year, I would like to stay and help them get there next year.”



Vela then praised former Mexican national team coach and current Espanyol manager, Javier Aguirre and isn’t surprised by the success the Catalans are having under his former mentor.



“[Aguirre] is a great coach. The team is in good form and has had great performances in order to get positive results.



“He lives for the match and his training sessions are intense, which is reflected in his teams.”