Vela loaned out to West Brom

By foxsports
Published

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela joined struggling English Premier League side West Brom on loan Friday until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old Mexico forward has been restricted to eight substitute appearances in the league and Champions League this season, scoring three goals. He has been at the bottom of the pecking order among Arsenal's four strikers.

Vela officially joined Arsenal on Jan. 1, 2008, but didn't begin playing for the team until the following season while he sorted out his work visa.

Vela had a series of injuries last season and has been hoping for more playing time. Arsenal and West Brom announced the loan deal on their websites late Friday.

"Carlos is a new attacking option for us who can play both centrally and in the wide areas," West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo said. "He also has great technical ability and pace and we're hoping he can make a big impact during the remainder of the season."

West Brom has won only one of its last six Premier League matches, losing the other five and sitting three points above the relegation zone in 16th place. The team should be a good fit for Vela, because Di Matteo adheres to an attacking style of football similar to Arsenal's. West Brom beat Arsenal 3-2 at Emirates Stadium in September.

"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," Di Matteo said.

In total, he has made 13 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season and scored three goals.

Vela will hope to get over a disappointing start to this season, which included being suspended for six months in September from the Mexico team for holding an all-night party after an international friendly against Colombia.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has resisted selling Vela, saying he still has potential, comparing him to a young Robbie Fowler.

West Brom said Arsenal won't be able to recall Vela during the loan spell and he won't be able to face the Gunners when they visit The Hawthorns on March 19.