Arsenal's Carlos Vela Will Go On Loan To West Bromwich Albion

For a while now, Arsenal fans have been wondering about the future of young Mexican forward Carlos Vela. At the beginning of this month, rumors surfaced that Vela was to be sold to a Spanish club this transfer window, but those rumors were quickly squashed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, and Vela’s manager.

Vela has struggled to break into the first team this season and as a result many Arsenal fans have wondered whether Vela’s future is at Arsenal. Ahead of the FA Cup replay against Ipswich, Vela was expected to play a part in that match. Instead though, he was sent to play in the Reserves. Carlos Vela’s exclusion from the first team squad has made many nervous, Vela is only 21-years old and has a lot of potential and talent, but he needs games or else his potential will be wasted. His only involvement in the Premier League this season has been 4 substitute appearances.

With Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner fit, an on form Vela has fallen behind in the pecking order. Arsenal’s abundance of quality forwards has left Vela out of the first team.

A few weeks ago, Wenger announced that he wanted to send Vela out on loan during this transfer window. “Some offensive players don’t play games like Carlos Vela. If he can get games somewhere else we will loan him out,” said the Frenchman.

Many Arsenal fans believe that Vela is far too talented to not be fully utilized, but do not want to see him sold to another club. A loan deal would keep Vela playing regularly so that he can continue to progress while keeping him available for Arsenal to use in the future.

“He does not get the games he deserves. He has an opportunity that I let him go somewhere,” Arsene has said. "We don't like to see such talent go to waste."

Since that announcement speculation began about where Vela should go and what it would mean. Many fans expressed that Vela should go to Bolton, hoping to see a similar development from him as they saw from Jack Wilshere who was loaned to Bolton last season. A loan to Bolton or any other Premier League team would mean that Wenger wants him fit for the English style of play, while a loan to another league could mean that his days with Arsenal are truly numbered.

Luckily, a loan deal has been struck with West Bromwich Albion. Vela is set to finish out the rest of the 2010-11 season with the Baggies.

There was interest from Bolton, La Liga club Valencia, and West Brom. Wenger has opted for West Brom as he feels Vela will play more regular football under Roberto Di Matteo, whose troops have impressed on their return to the top tier, but struggled for goals scoring only 29 in 23 matches.

Roberto Di Matteo has heaped praise on Vela who presents another much needed attacking option for his club, as they try to move up the table and way from relegation. 

"I'd like to officially welcome Carlos, who is an exciting signing for this club," said Di Matteo. "Carlos is a new attacking option for us who can play both centrally and in the wide areas."

"He also has great technical ability and pace and we're hoping he can make a big impact during the remainder of the season. There's no doubt that Carlos has the potential to become a great player and it will hopefully be a win-win situation, where we help him by giving him game time in the Premier League while he helps us achieve our goal."

The Baggies have preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, so Vela, who can play as a central striker or winger, is likely to start in the attacking midfield trio which supports leading scorer Peter Odemwingie.

How do you feel about this move? Will it help Vela in the long run for Arsenal?