It turns out the truth is a little less exciting. Vela was indeed training with the Arsenal this week, but there's no chance of an imminent signing. According to Arsene Wenger, "in one or two years, we will decide. He cannot come before the age of 18 so he is not for now."

Wenger also says, "He is one of the boys we have had in training to have a look at". Clearly, Arsenal look at lots of young players, whether through bringing them in for training, sending scouts to look at them, or Le Boss himself going to watch. Many of these events turn into transfer rumours, very few of those turn into transfers.

Vela is a skilful attacking midfielder, the type of player Wenger loves so much. Also, sadly, he is no secret, having played a significant role (and being top scorer) in Mexico's U17 World Championship win. So when it comes to it, if he does decide to come to Europe there will be plenty of clubs interested including, no doubt, in La Liga. The player himself has been quoted as saying "My future is in Spanish football", which is understandable given the language thing, but also admitting that he may stay at Chivas of Guadalajara. I dare say that these quotes are from before his trip to Arsenal, and so the hope remains that what he saw in England will help him make the right decision when the time comes. Madrid or Barcelona may seem like the obvious destinations for him, but we poached a gifted youngster direct from Barca so why not one that's not even in Spain yet? Vela is also reported in the Sun as saying, "If my destiny is Arsenal then that would be very good for my career," which is presumably a more recent quote.

The reports that a deal could be imminent may have been based on quotes from Chivas themselves. Their vice president Nestor de la Torre said, "It is very serious, this is what we wanted, for a club to talk directly with us and things are going well. From a sporting point of view, everyone is agreed. We want the best for Carlos and we are in harmony with his representative and family and now we just have to wait and see how the talks (with Arsenal) go." Seems like whatever "talks" were in the pipeline have been and gone. We'll just have to wait and see. What we can be sure of is that whether or not Vela does end up joining the Gunners, the Gunners in the meantime will continue to scour the world for similar young talent, and stories will surface that we're about to sign all and sundry.

Anyone know exactly what the age issue is? We were able to bring Fabregas (and others) in before the age of 18. Is it a Mexican FA thing, or a work permit thing to do with the fact that he's not European, or...? (see below for the answer)

Rupe adds...
An interesting update from Arsenal fan Robert Carter, who lives in Mexico and relates what he's read in todays paper over there:

"Though it turns out in the article that the deal isn't dusted, the gist of what Néstor de la Torre says is that he was surprised by the official Arsenal website saying there was no interest in Vela at this time, but the Arsenal rep explained to him that the person responsible for the web page misunderstood the situation. He says the negotiations are ongoing and Arsenal are sending them plane tickets as there will likely be another meeting between Arsenal and Guadalajara next week in the U.S."

Seems there's a smokescreen here somewhere, but who's generating it is anyone's guess.

Rupe adds...
And thanks to Kevin Mackenzie for clearing up the age thing. FIFA's transfer regulations Article 19 ("Protection of Minors") states that international transfers of players under the age of 18 are not permitted. There are 3 exceptions none of which apply to Vela's situation: the parents moving to the new country for reasons not connected to football; the transfer of a 16 to 18 year old taking place within the EU (and the new club providing education); and both the player's residence and the new club being located with 50km of the border. Vela will turn 18 on the 3rd of January 2007.