ARSENAL look set to offer young Mexican striker Carlos Vela a new contract, despite the UK authorities' repeated refusal to let the talent ply his trade in the Premier League.

Vela signed a £2.5m, five year deal with the Gunners in 2005, and immediately hit the first of a slew of problems.

His nationality meant he fell foul of EU rules governing non-EU citizens working in this country, and so could not appear for the club.

Next, FIFA disagreed with Arsenal's claim that the 19-year-old was an exceptional talent, and refused to grant him a visa to that effect. This recognition would have allowed Vela to circum-navigate European policy.

After this, the player was sent on loan to Celta de Vigo. But the Spanish side appear to have shared FIFA's view of the player. He did not play a single game during his 2006 spell with the club.

A further bid by Arsenal to have the Mexican's special status recognised by the world game's governing body was turned down.

By this time the player must have thoroughly discombobulated, not to say seething with frustration.

But then affairs swung in the striker's favour, as his prospects improved with a move to UP Salamanca. Vela hit a rich vein of scoring form with eight strikes and a string of assists to make himself a hit with the fans.

And now, his trials seem to be drawing to a close. He can apply for a passport from this month, and Wenger has re-iterated his faith in the quality of his wandering frontman.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "He will straight away be with the first-team and after that it is up to him to get a place in the side.

"I sent him to Spain because he comes from a Mexican culture and it is easier to adapt in Europe.

"He has what we like here at Arsenal. He is a good passer of the ball and a finisher. He has that intelligent movement with very good technique and great pace."