Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela will join MLS expansion club Los Angeles FC in January.

The 28-year-old Mexican will end a six-year spell at Real Sociedad to join the US outfit in 2018. That’s according to Squawka, who say that Vela will be remain with the Spanish side in the meantime.

Vela arrived at Arsenal as a 17-year-old after an exciting string of performances during the U17 World Cup in 2005. Unable to play immediately due to work permit issues, he spent the next two seasons on loan at Spanish clubs Salamanca and Osasuna.

He finally made his first appearances as an Arsenal player during the 2008/09 season, announcing himself with an impressive hat-trick against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup. His composure in front of goal and love of lobbing keepers had fans excited.

Unfortunately, he struggled for consistent first team football at Arsenal, and ended up being sold to Real Sociedad in 2011. It was there that he really established himself as one of the best forwards in Europe, scoring 72 goals in 230 appearances.

He improved to an extent that he was frequently linked with a return back to Arsenal but could now be ending his career in the US.