Mikel Arteta Wants Carlos Vela Back at Arsenal Next Season

Mikel Arteta has said that he "would be very happy" to see Carlo Vela return to Arsenal next season, after the Real Sociedad forward proved to be a sensation in La Liga during the past campaign.

Recent reports in Spain claimed that the Gunners are set to meet Vela's €4m buy-back clause – either to have him back at the Emirates or to fund moves for new additions.

Arteta, who played at Real Sociedad before joining Everton, believes the Mexican international has proved to be ready for the Arsenal challenge and expects his return in the summer.

"Having seen his season at Real Sociedad I would be very happy to have him back as he is a great player," Arteta told IBTimes UK.

Even though Vela struggled during his first spell in north London, the forward himself recently reassured sceptics he was now a different player scoring 16 goals and grabbing 12 assists in 34 appearances for Real Sociedad in the season just ended.

"Arsenal gave me the opportunity to come to Europe when I was 17. I didn't have as many opportunities as I expected and I had to try new chances. If I have to return to London, I will try to make things in a different way in order so that happened in the past won't be repeated again.

Meanwhile, Arteta also expects Wenger to clarify his future at Arsenal by signing a new deal.

"(After the FA Cup final) people said he will stay. But he is very quiet. He takes care of Arsenal in a way that people cannot even imagine. He will take a decision thinking about what is best for the club. I wish him to stay," Arteta said.

"It will be very strange to see Arsenal without him. It will not be easy to find a person like him, but it's his decision."

Arteta's long-term future is also up in the air as his contract is set to expire in 2015 and he is yet to sign a new deal.

He says of his future: "I'll meet with the coach in the coming days or weeks and we will make a decision."

"We have to see what the club wants and which is my idea."