Mexican forward Carlos Vela signs four-year deal with Real Sociedad

There had been rumors swirling that Mexican forward Carlos Vela could be heading back to Arsenal, but that speculation has ended on Tuesday with news that Vela has signed a new four-year contract extension with Real Sociedad. 

“Real Sociedad have reached an agreement with Arsenal FC which will allow Carlos Vela to continue at the club on a permanent basis. The player meanwhile, has signed a contract extension which ties him to Real Sociedad for the next four seasons," the club said in a statement. "The player’s previous contract was due to expire in June 2016. The Mexican striker has now formally signed his new contract.”

There was a £3.5 million buy-back clause for Arsenal this summer, but the Spanish club has reportedly paid £8.8 million, plus £4 million in possible performance-related bonuses to cancel the clause and keep Vela under contract.

After signing his new deal with the La Liga club, Vela, who refused to commit to the Mexican national team and was left out of El Tri's World Cup squad, told the team's website that it was an easy decision to extend his deal with the place that he calls home. 

“I’ve always said that this is my home,” Vela said. “I am very happy in San Sebastián, which I told the president when he asked for my intentions. 

“We knew it would not be easy, but thankfully it is resolved and all parties are happy. This club, this team has the ambition to make it better, and I am convinced that we will perform an exciting year.

“Now I get to enjoy my last days of vacation with my family to come with great force and to prepare this great year in the best way.“

Last season, Vela had 21 goals and 13 assists for Real Sociedad.

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