New contract keeps Vela smiling

Mexican international Carlos Vela has signed a new long term contract with the club. Changes in player contract laws which have taken place over the last couple of years make the renewal of contracts essential every other year for those players for whom clubs wish to protect their investment. The club has pursued a policy of renewing contracts for its young talents vigorously this season with Vela becoming the 11th such player to agree a long term extension since the start of the season.

The timing of the announcement on the clubs website might be seen as opportune as the young striker, who usually plays with a smile on his face, has picked up some mild criticism following his failure to take advantage of good goal scoring opportunities that came his way in the Champions league game against Olympiakos yesterday evening. The best of these fell to his weaker right foot.

It`s a path that most young strikers tread early in their careers. Nicklas Bendtner was singled out for similar criticism for a collection of missed chances early last season, notably in a carling cup game away to Burnley, before ending the season with a creditable tally. Vela`s club figures of 7 goals in 13 starts in all competitions, plus 25 substitute appearances shows that the promise is there, particularly in the quality of some of the goals, if the right combination can be found.

Arsene Wenger believes we have only seen glimpses of what could be to come telling the club website that: "We`re delighted that Carlos Vela has signed a new long-term contract with the Club. Carlos is a fantastic talent and we have already seen glimpses of this during his performances.

"Let`s remember, he is still only 20 years-old, so there is still a huge amount to come from this boy. We have invested a lot of time in Carlos, as we put him in Spain for two years to get some good experience. Now he`s back with us, we`re working hard with him every day and he is a very exciting player. We`re looking forward to seeing Carlos score many goals in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come."

Despite limited chances to show his ability since his return to the club last season after a successful loan spells in Spain to satisfy UK employment laws Vela himself is hopeful of a long career at the club: "I just want to work hard and help this great Club win trophies. I want to stay here for a long time."

With Bendtner now ruled out until the New Year those chances will be coming his way. Hopefully the new contract will help give him the confidence he needs to take them when they do.

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