Is it time for Arsenal to give this former star another shot?

Arsenal fans would be forgiven for having already forgotten about their ex-winger cum striker, Carlos Vela.

During his time with Arsenal, the Mexican cheeky chappy was perhaps best known for his chipped finishes, his ability to run with the ball and his sporadic shooting ability.

He was a player who frustrated and delighted fans in equal measure. Unlike players like Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner (who I associate with the ‘Vela era’, if there ever was such a thing) he was talented enough to persuade another club to provide him with a permanent home.

Denilson and Bendtner, however, appear to be trapped in constant limbo, stuck in a cycle of loan moves.

I think there’s an argument to say that Vela was one of the best of bad bunch of young talent to play for Arsenal at that time.

It’s been curious watching Carlos Vela rebuild (or perhaps kick-start) his career over in La Liga. In Spain, he’s gone from a player who never really made the grade to a top class young talent – quite a transformation!

The main thing he’s added to his game is goal-scoring form. Regular game time has granted him a confidence in front of goal that he never had whilst at Arsenal. He’s a fine finisher, with a wide variety of shots (including his favourite – the chip!) and he’s scored 12 goals in 27 games this season.

But his all round game has also impressed this season. He links up well with his Real Sociedad team mates, passes the ball neatly and takes up good positions. These qualities have seen him rack up 10 assists this season.

Suffice to say, he’s become a rather effective figure in La Liga and his reputation continues to grow.

Arsenal fans may be wondering whether their club made a mistake letting him go in the first place.

These sames characters will doubtless be interested to hear that Spanish source AS, have reported that Real Sociedad are looking to open negotiations with Arsenal and are looking to cancel the buy-back option Vela’s contract.

The buy-back fee is believed to be 4.2, euros, a figure that has Sociedad in something of a tizzy given his rise to prominence.

But given that he’d be available for that kind of price, I can’t help but wonder if Wenger would be tempted to take another pop at him. In many ways he’s a striker in the Arsenal mould: technically gifted, sprightly and cool in front of goal.

I certainly wouldn’t complain if he moved back to the Emirates this summer.

What’s your take? Would you like to see Carlos Vela back at Arsenal?

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