Vela signs for Real Sociedad

Carlos Vela has signed a four-year deal with La Liga side Real Sociedad, bringing to an end his seven-year stay with Arsenal.



The Mexican striker was on loan with the Spanish outfit last season, finishing as Real's top scorer with 12 goals and making seven assists in 35 appearances.



Vela has previously played on loan at Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion after failing to nail down a place in the Arsenal first team since joining the club in 2005.



The 23-year-old is expected to put the finishing touches to the deal on Tuesday, though Sociedad have already announced an agreement, with an official presentation set to take place on Thursday.



Vela has represented Mexico at every youth level, playing at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups, and was a part of the senior side for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Sociedad hopeful of Vela deal

Real Sociedad boss Philippe Montanier is optimistic of finalising a deal to take Arsenal's Carlos Vela back to the Spanish club for the start of the new season.



Mexico international Vela spent last term on loan at Sociedad and has previously made it clear that he would prefer not to return to the Emirates.



The 23-year-old has never been able to establish himself as a regular for the Gunners and would not appear to be at the forefront of Arsene Wenger's thinking for the upcoming campaign.



A departure from north London could therefore be on the cards, and Sociedad are now hopeful that something could be resolved in the next few days.



"The president is optimistic because I want a quick solution," said Montanier. "I expect that Carlos will arrive in this next week."



Reports suggest the latest deal would be another loan with an option to buy, and Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay says discussions are progressing well.



"We're getting somewhere, but there's nothing set in stone yet," Aperribay told AS.



"As the talks have evolved, I'm moderately optimistic, but there's no deal yet."