Arsenal To Sign 21-Goal Striker: What Will Gunners Be Getting For Their Money?

So, there we have it – Arsenal looked to have secured a deal for a new striker after a season of a lacklustre frontline. The Daily Mail says they intend to use the £3.5 million buy-back clause in Carlos Vela’s contract, but what would they be getting from the former Gunner the second time round?

There is no doubt that the Mexico international has improved a lot as a player. When at the Emirates back in 2008, Vela scored just six goals in 29 appearances. Then, over the following two seasons, he scored five in 33.

Last season, in all competitions for Sociedad, he struck 21 times.

He has adapted massively and used it to improve.

Last season he played primarily to the right of the striker and used his quick feet to cut in and take full-backs on. He claimed 12 assists in La Liga – which means he contributed directly to 28 goals in 37 appearances in the league.

The clause in his contract now looks like a shrewd move by the north London outfit, as to sign a player with those stats, who is still only 25, would be almost impossible otherwise.

I think Arsene Wenger needs a pat on the back for this one, should it happen.