Should Vela follow in Wilshere’s footsteps this January?

Written by Tony Merakli

It has been reported this morning that Bolton are keen to sign Arsenal forward Carlos Vela on loan this January. However, would this be a good move for the young Mexican?

The 21-year-old has been heavy linked with a move away from the Emirates this winter, with the likes of Chievo Verona, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Swansea all interested in his services. However, it now appears that Bolton have entered the race, and Owen Coyle will be hoping to acquire the Mexican and give him the much needed first-team experience that Arsene Wenger wants him to have. Speaking to Sky Sports, Coyle told of his admiration for both Vela and Wenger:

‘Carlos Vela is an outstanding player, I think Arsene said at the weekend he could go on loan and people have looked and put two and two together.’

The Wanderers boss goes onto say:

‘We have a good relationship with Arsenal, obviously with Jack Wilshere last year and hopefully we played a small part in his development, and there is no doubting Carlos Vela is a wonderful player.’

The two managers clearly have a very healthy relationship with one another, after the Frenchman loaned out Jack Wilshere to the Trotters for the second half of last season. The 19-year-old’s move to Bolton proved to be the pivotal point of his career, as his performances and development were essential towards the young midfielder landing a first-team place for the Gunners this season. Could the same ensue for Vela if he were to join Bolton this winter?

Carlos Vela has struggled to cement a first-team spot in the Arsenal line-up since signing for the club in 2005. However, the Mexican was never granted an English work permit until 2008, which evidently saw the striker spend year loan spells elsewhere until this fabricated. Vela made a combined total of 65 appearances and scored 11 goals for both Salamanca and Osasuna. Since being granted an English work permit, Vela has so far managed to make a total of 60 appearances for Arsenal (19 starts, 41 from the bench) and has bagged 11 goals along the way. This season, the forward has featured 11 times (3 starts, 8 as a sub) and has netted just the three times.

Personally, I believe Wenger must loan out the 21-year-old this winter. Vela is a great prospect for the club and a young talented footballer, but with the arrival of Marouane Chamakh in the summer and recent recuperation of Robin Van Persie, the Mexican’s chances of playing regularly for Arsenal have been further dented.

If Wenger does in fact want Vela to gain first-team experience in the Premier League as several reports suggest, then a move to Bolton would be ideal for both clubs. This is not to say that the potential move could kick-start the Mexican international’s career at Arsenal like it did Jack Wilshere, but it would certainly give Vela the first-team experience and game time he has been craving. The potential move would certainly do the forward no harm, and is probably what the youngster needs at this stage of his career.

If Wenger does not see the striker in his immediate plans this season, then he should definitely consider the possibility of loaning out the Mexican star in January. Of course, whether this is a move to Owen Coyle’s Bolton will be up to Wenger and Vela to decide in the upcoming weeks.

This article was first published on Gunnershere.com – follow him HERE on Twitter

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