CARLOS VELA TO GO INTO FIRST TEAM IN 2008-9

Arsène Wenger expects young Mexican Carlos Vela to be a part of his first-team squad next season.

The Mexican, who starred in the Under-17s World Cup in 2005, signed from Guadalajara in January and is spending this season on loan at Spanish side Osasuna. He has one goal and one assist in three La Liga starts so far.

But although he is out of sight the youngster - who hit eight goals for Spanish Second Division Salamanca last season - is hardly out of Arsène Wenger’s mind.

Wenger said:

“We scout him every week when he plays,” “He can apply for a passport in March and normally he will start with us next summer.

“He will straight away be with the first-team and after that it is up to him to get a place in the side.

“I sent him to Spain because he comes from a Mexican culture and it is easier to adapt in Europe. He has what we like here at Arsenal. He is a good passer of the ball and a finisher. He has that intelligent movement with very good technique and great pace.”

With a great reputation as both a creator and scorer of goals. It may not be too long before Arsenal fans are harking back to the memories of a certain recently 'departed' striker.

In other news, Fabregas is reportedly going to be out for the next 10 days or so, missing the Villa, Newcastle and Middlesbrough games. Well that's better than him being out for Chelsea, Blackburn and Tottenham...so I suppose that's the silver lining and all.

And finally, the mail reports that we are in a two way battle with spurs for Bayen Munich striker Luca Toni (though with target men Bendtner and Ade I would give this story zippo creedance)...