Vela signs new Arsenal contract

Mexico striker Carlos Vela has signed a new contract with Arsenal, the English Premier League club said Thursday.

The 20-year-old Vela, who joined Arsenal two years ago, is now set to stay with the north London club until 2015.

Vela, who arrived at Arsenal from Spanish side Celta Vigo before returning to Spain for an 18-month loan spell, has so far scored seven goals in 38 first-team appearances for the Gunners.

He made his Gunners debut last season, making his name in England with a League Cup hat-trick against Sheffield United in September 2008.

“We’re delighted Carlos Vela has signed a new long-term contract with the club,” Gunners manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.

“Carlos is a fantastic talent and we have already seen glimpses of this during his performances.

“Let’s remember, he is still only 20 years-old, so there is still a huge amount to come from this boy,” the Frenchman added.

“We have invested a lot of time in Carlos, as we put him in Spain for two years to get some good experience.

“Now he’s back with us, we’re working hard with him every day and he is a very exciting player. We’re looking forward to seeing Carlos score many goals in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come.”

Vela, who returned to Arsenal on a permanent basis at the start of last season, said: “I’m very happy to sign a new contract and I’m very excited to be spending more years with Arsenal Football Club.

“I just want to work hard and help this great club win trophies. I want to stay here for a long time and it’s a great responsibility,” added Vela, who played in Wednesday’s Champions League loss to Olympiakos.

“I will keep working hard to show the boss (Wenger) and all the fans why I’m here.

Vela is the 11th first-team player to commit his long-term future to Arsenal since the end of last season.

Eduardo, Sanchez Watt, Alex Song, Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have also all recently signed new long-term extensions with the club.

Arsenal, who play Liverpool on Sunday, are currently third in the Premier League table – eight points behind leaders Chelsea but with a game in hand over their London rivals.