Gunners find striking solution
by Tom Adams, 16 May 2008
Arsenal have applied for a work permit for Carlos Vela and the Mexican starlet will operate as a fourth striker for the North London club next season, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners prised Vela from Guadalajara in 2005 but due to work permit restrictions he has spent successive loan spells in Spain with Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna where he has caught the eye in Pamplona this season.
The 19-year-old is set to win a Spanish passport and as such will be ready to finally take his place in Wenger’s first team squad next season.
Vela has shone in a wide position for Osasuna this season but Wenger expects the Mexico international to provide back-up for Emmanuel Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie with Croatia international Eduardo da Silva still sidelined with a serious injury.
"We have applied for a work permit for him now," Wenger told the club’s official website. "And he will be involved with the first team next season.
"He has played the whole season at Osasuna on the left wing and he had to work hard there. But for me it is not his position he is a central striker, an Eduardo type."
After throwing away the title and exiting the Champions League at the quarter final stage, it has been suggested that Arsenal need to make a number of summer signings if they are to compete next season.
The arrival of Vela may mean that Wenger does not strengthen his attack though and the emergence of Alexandre Song – previously a figure of fun at Emirates Stadium – in the final five games of the Premier League season has also enthused the Frenchman.
"I believe he is a remarkable player and I was one of the very, very few who believed in Alexandre Song," said Wenger. "I can show you articles in newspapers which said that [he] was the worst buy I have made but you will see in one or two years that he will be a great player for Arsenal.”
However, Song will not replace Mathieu Flamini as Arsenal’s holding midfielder despite excelling in the role for Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations.
"When I put a player somewhere, I know why I do. If I play Song at centre back it is because I believe he will be a great centre back for Arsenal Football Club.
"In Song's case, he can play in central midfield. But can he play 60 games there? I am not convinced."
Emmanuel Eboue is another player who has enjoyed far from universal approval in North London but Wenger has dismissed criticism of the player after he failed to register a goal in 36 appearances – the majority of which have come at right midfield.
"Ray Parlour did not score many goals on the right side of midfield. You look at the numbers and you will be surprised but for me he was a great player for Arsenal Football Club.
"You can not only go on the goals and assists, you must look at the efficiency of the whole team. That's why Ray Parlour was a great player for us and why Eboue helps us too.”