Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has revealed that Arsenal are close to activating their buy-back clause for Carlos Vela.
The Mexican international made a permanent move to Sociedad in 2012 after failing to make his mark in England with the Gunners, but his impressive performances at the San Sebastian have since seen a number of big clubs show interest.
That has led Arsenal to look into the possibility of activating the buy-back clause which they included in his sale of £3.2m.
And, whilst Sociedad would ideally like to keep their prolific forward, Aperribay admits that it is not down to the Spanish club or Vela himself.
“We are talking with great clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal. Things are really difficult, but nothing is finished,” he told Euskal Irrati Telebista.
“We understand what Arsenal represent and what Barcelona represent. There aren’t deadlines with them, just talks, and we are looking at what is best for us.
“Arsenal have told us they are interested in the player (Vela) and we have to think on that. The player wants to continue here, in San Sebastian, and this is an important point for us.”
Vela will not represent the Mexican national team this summer due to a conflict of interest with the national set-up but it looks increasingly likely that he will have a busy summer, with Arsenal’s interest now picking up pace.