Arsenal's 19 year old Mexican striker Carlos Vela has finally been granted a work permit, and will be eligible to turn out for the London club from next season. The Gunners signed him as a sixteen year old from Guadalajara in November 2005, after Vela had caught the attention of scouts at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championships. Work permit restrictions, however, meant that the teenager would have to wait before playing in England.

Vela has been capped for the national side, and made his debut against Brazil in September 2007. He has been sent on loan to Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna previously.

Hailed by many as one to look out for in the future, Vela will be keen to impress for Arsenal next season. Arsene Wenger has already likened him to Croatian striker Eduardo and has said that he will be involved with the first team in 2008.

Vela was snapped up by Arsenal on a five year deal for a reported fee of 2 million pounds in 2005. If all goes well, he will become the second Mexican to play in the Premiership, after Bolton's Jared Borgetti.