Carlos Vela: Former Arsenal striker's goals have helped Socieded's bid for Champions League football

The Mexican's permanent move to the Basque club followed a year-long loan spell where he notched 12 goals in 35 appearances.

This season he has added a further 13 goals in La Liga, in stark contrast to a meagre return of three Premier League goals in a six-year stay at Arsenal that was punctuated by loans at Salamanca, Osasuna and West Brom as well as Sociedad.

Vela's form has prompted speculation over a clause in his contract that would allow Arsenal to buy the 24-year-old back.

But while claiming that a move would be possible, Vela is determined to help Socieded, currently fourth in La Liga, into next season's UEFA Champions League.

"Going back to Arsenal? It could happen at any moment, but I don't want to think about it," he told L'Equipe.

"My life is at Real Sociedad, and it is with that shirt that I want to play in the Champions League next season."