Carlos Vela to get chance to shine for Arsenal in Robin van Persie's absence
Published 23:00 21/11/09 By Steve Stammers
Carlos Vela will be given the European stage on which to show he can be an Arsenal star for the next five years.
The 20-year-old Mexican front man has agreed a new contract until 2014 and he will get the chance to establish himself as a front-line contender in the absence of injured Robin van Persie, who is out for up to six weeks.
Vela will figure, fitness permitting, against Standard Liege in the Champions League clash at the Emirates on Tuesday as Arsenal seek the point that will guarantee their progress into the knock-out stages.
Wenger said: “He is like Robbie Fowler in the penalty area. He is left-footed and he is also very quick. Quicker than most people realise. Only Theo Walcott at the club is quicker than him.
“I have always had a high opinion of Carlos and that is why I did not sign anyone to replace Emmanuel Adebayor when we sold him to Manchester City.
“I want to give him his chance. He is back from injury and he has been putting in some great performances in training.”
Vela, toughened up in European combat with a loan spells in Spain with Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna, is wanted by Atletico Madrid.
But Wenger insisted: “We are extending his contract at the moment. We get these players in at 15 or 16 and work very hard with them for five years. We do not then want to give them away.”
Wenger is set to announce further encouraging news on contract talks with William Gallas and Tomas Rosicky, who are both free agents at the end of the season.
Wenger revealed negotiations with the pair are at an advanced stage.
