FC Barcelona have ‘total agreement’ with Carlos Vela and his club Los Angeles FC to loan the striker until the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.

Arsenal's Mexican striker Carlos Vela (L) celebrates scoring the second goal with teammate Sanchez Watt (R) during their Carling Cup 3rd round match against West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates, London, on September 22, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK
Arsenal’s Mexican striker Carlos Vela (L) celebrates scoring the second goal with teammate Sanchez Watt (R) during their Carling Cup 3rd round match against West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates, London, on September 22, 2009. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK

Spanish outlet Sport report that Barcelona have full agreement for Vela’s transfer, and the approval of manager Ernesto Valverde to go ahead with the move. Although it would only be a loan move at first, there would be a purchase option for the end of the season if things go well.

However, the one obstacle for the deal is that the La Liga club are also looking at another striker, who is a higher priority for them. Though the second striker isn’t named, they reportedly have ‘experience in the Spanish league’. If Barcelona can’t close that deal though, they’ll complete the signing of Vela on loan instead.

Vela had a good season in America, for what it’s worth. He scored 15 goals and assisted 11 in 31 Los Angeles FC appearances. The former Gunner has also spent a lot of time in Spain, playing for Salamanca, Osasuna and Real Sociedad. With Sociedad, he reached double figures for goals in five of his six full seasons.

vela sociedad
Betis’ forward Dani Ceballos (right) vies with Real Sociedad’s Mexican forward Carlos Vela

It’s fair to say Vela didn’t have half as much success with Arsenal. In his 29 league appearances for the club, he only scored three goals, adding another eight goals in his 33 appearances in the cups and in Europe. It would be strange to see him going on to play for Barcelona, but we’ll see what happens.