Vela urges more Mexicans to make EPL jump

Arsenal winger Carlos Vela has urged more of his fellow Mexicans to make the switch to England, as he looks forward to his first season in the Premier League.

Arsène Wenger originally signed Vela from Chivas de Guadalajara in 2005, but FIFA regulations regarding work permits prevented him from joining up with the Gunners until this summer.

The 19-year-old has impressed during loan spells in Spain, and is tipped to contest strongly with the likes of Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie for the forward spots at the Emirates.

The Mexico international, who scored in El Tri's 4-0 win over Peru in Chicago on Sunday, understands that it will take time to settle in the Premier League but is confident of making a smooth transition.

"England is going to be different," Vela told the Chicago Tribune. "It's going to be hard the first few months. But you adapt over time. Hopefully, I adapt quickly so it doesn't affect the soccer."

Also making his debut in England next term will be Giovani dos Santos, who recently completed a $9.4 million move to Tottenham Hotspur after struggling for first-team opportunities at Barcelona.

The pair were crucial elements in Mexico's FIFA Under-17 World Championship triumph in 2005, Vela winning the Golden Boot while dos Santos claimed the Silver Ball.

Vela has already revealed his pleasure that his compatriot has joined him in North London -- if on the wrong side -- and hopes more Mexicans make the journey to England, insisting there are plenty that have what it takes to succeed.

"We've seen that we can do it," he said. "In the beginning we thought it was very hard, that the soccer was on a different level. But now we're seeing the players are succeeding."