Sociedad close in on Vela

Real Sociedad are confident of completing a permanent deal for Arsenal forward Carlos Vela.

The Mexico international spent last season on loan with the La Liga outfit, hitting 12 goals in 29 appearances. Vela has struggled to break into the first team at the Emirates Stadium - spending time on loan with four clubs since 2006. Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has spoken of his desire to take the 23-year-old back to San Sebastian, while the player has made it clear he favours a return to Spain. "We're getting somewhere, but there's nothing set in stone yet. As the talks have evolved, I'm moderately optimistic, but there's no deal yet," Aperribay told AS.