Real Sociedad President Confirms Arsenal Plan to Activate Carlos Vela Buyback Clause

Arsenal have informed Real Sociedad they intend to activate a clause allowing them to re-sign Carlos Vela this summer.

The Mexican striker left the Gunners after failing secure consistent first team football opportunities in 2012 and has since garnered a fearsome reputation in Spain.

However, upon his departure from north London Arsene Wenger ensured the club retained a buyback clause allowing them to re-sign their striker at a fraction of his market value - a fee of just £3.2m.

Although Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay insists the club are intent on keeping Vela and are still in negotiations with Arsenal, he has confirmed the Premier League club plan to exercise that option that will allow them to bring the 25-year-old back to the Emirates this summer.

"Arsenal have informed us that Vela would be with them next season," the Real Sociedad president told Cadena Ser.

Aperribay has spent the week in London in discussions with the Gunners about taking full ownership of Vela. When asked how much it would cost his side to purchase the Mexican international outright he said: "There are no discussions in this regard and therefore it is difficult to talk about whether we would be near or far, we will see in the near future if we go a little and accomplish something for Real."

The 25-year-old enjoyed a magnificent Liga last season last term, scoring 16 goals and grabbing 12 assists in 34 appearances.

When asked about the possibility of a return to London last month, Vela said: "It makes sense that Arsenal activate the clause now.

"A club that sees that a player is performing well for three years and has the chance of having him back for just an extra million... [Arsenal received £2.4m for the 50% of Vela's rights in 2012]. If Arsenal wouldn't pay that amount they wouldn't be very intelligent.

"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 options. If I have to return to London, I will try to make things in a different way so that happened in the past won't be repeated again."