Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Should Wenger Loan or Sell Carlos Vela in January?

The day Tuesday the 23rd of September 2008 may not have much bearing on World Football but it's certainly a significant date in the career of one young Mexican striker. On a cold Tuesday evening on September 23rd, Arsenal encountered Sheffield United in the third round of the League Cup at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger once again deployed a youthful squad, utilizing his depth with a side that boasted an average age 19. There were some concerns that a physical, experienced Blades outfit may sweep away the Gunners youngsters as the side lacked a real leader. But come the end of the night, one Sheffield United side was left very red faced.

The North London giants emphatically thrashed Sheffield United 6-0 in one of the most entertaining matches ever to be staged at the Emirates. The teenagers tormented and teased a starting XI that boasted six internationals. Danish sharpshooter Nicklas Bendtner managed two strikes whilst teenage sensation Jack Wilshere also scored, but it was Mexican striker Carlos Vela who stood out with a thrilling hat-trick.

The hat-trick came on Vela's full debut for the Gunners after being signed from Mexican outfit C.D. Guadalajara in 2005 but work permit altercations forced the dynamo to spend two seasons in Spain on loan spells.

The future look bright for the Mexican international and it was furthered in the next round of the Cup when Vela sealed the Gunners place in the quarter finals of the competition with a delicate chip over Wigan's Chris Kirkland, to ensure a 3-0 victory over the Lactics.

The young guns impressive run would come to an end in the quarter finals with a 2-0 defeat by Championship side Burnley. It would also be the highlight of Vela's Arsenal career so far. In the next two seasons the 21  year old has only featured here and there, prominently in Cup competitions, with the odd Premier League cameo from off the bench.

Albeit injuries have played a minor part but Wenger's lack of faith in the Osasuna loanee has been evident since Vela's arrival and it's come to a point where Carlos Vela is destined to depart the Emirates.

Since 2008 Vela has appeared 60 times for the Gunners with 11 goals. 41 appearances have come from the bench. 29 of the 60 have come in the Premier League but the Mexican dynamo can only claim 3 starts from those 29. Now a recent rumour that Real Zaragoza are planning a January raid for Vela have come to fruition and it raises the question, what is Arsene Wenger to do with Carlos Vela?

Since Vela's famous hat-trick in 2008, many clubs have expressed their desire to sign the starlet on loan spells but Wenger has consistently refused stating that Vela will progress better at Arsenal. London rivals Fulham have always been a keen admirer of the Mexican alongside numerous La Liga outfits.

This season Vela has maintained a superb goal scoring record with three goals in eleven appearances, eight of which are off the bench. But the 21 year old seems only capable of achieving proper game time in the Carling Cup or the rare Champions League match.

Vela's frustration has surely reached his limit and with a prospect of playing football in the Spanish League, one can only imagine the young forwards mindset. But Vela is a great talent and one that can shine at Arsenal.

But does Wenger see that?

A loan spell, or continuation of the odd Cup appearances or is Carlos Vela to be sold in January?