A cyclone of hype surrounds the Arsene’s latest young prodigy – now it’s up to the Mexican whizz kid to deliver the goods
Another rough diamond discovered by Arsene Wenger’s worldwide scouting network. The Mexican whiz kid burst onto scene in 2005 when he played a starring role in his country’s FIFA U17 World Championship victory.
The young gun’s talent stood out like a lighthouse on the rocks as he rattled in five goals to capture the Golden Boot. Wenger moved swiftly to secure Vela’s talents from Deportivo Guadalajara in 2007.
To overcome work permit problems and gain experience he was promptly shipped out on loan to Celta Vigo. He has since enjoyed loan spells at Salamanca and Osasuna where he has shown flashes of brilliance – prompting Wenger to bring him back to the Emirates this term and give him a squad number.
There are however concerns the slight Mexican will continue to struggle to come to terms with the roughhouse tactics often deployed in the Premier League.