Sports

Mexican international Carlos Vela will leave Arsenal and join Real Sociedad after the north London club announced they were in the final stages of negotiations with Basque club Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old spent the entire 2011/12 season on loan at the La Liga club and joins permanently after he flew to the club's base in Donostia-San Sebastian for talks.  According to the Basque club, the Mexican player agreed to a four-year contract to stay in Real Sociedad.

"Arsenal Football Club has announced that striker Carlos Vela is in San Sebastian this evening for final discussions about a permanent move to Spanish La Liga side Real Sociedad," a club statement said on Arsenal's website.

Vela, who made his debut for Arsenal in 2008, has been unable to force himself into manager Arsene Wenger's first team plans and made a total of 62 appearances in all competitions.

He enjoyed happier times with Real Sociedad last season, netting 12 goals in 35 appearances for the Basque team.