The Mexico international was on the Gunners' books from 2005, when he signed from Guadalajara in his homeland at age 16, until he was sold to Sociedad two years ago.
In that time, he scored just three Premier League goals and made the same number of starts in the domestic top-flight - as well as 26 substitute appearances. He added eight goals in other competitions, again appearing more often as a sub than a starter.
After previous loans in Spain with Salamanca and Osasuna, he was farmed out to West Brom for the second half of the 2010-11 season, scoring twice in eight matches - late equalisers to secure back-to-back February draws with Stoke and arch-rivals Wolves.
And now Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has been quoted as telling Spanish radio station Cadena SUR: "Arsenal have informed us that Vela will be with them next season."
The Gunners need to add depth up front after a season in which there were almost no alternatives to Olivier Giroud after Theo Walcott's season ending injury in January saw their title push fizzle out in the spring. Vela, 25, is not only relatively inexpensive but also versatile, as he can play up front, wide or off a main striker.
Here's what he has in his locker:
Source: Mirror Sport
By Neil Rowlands
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