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Aperribay claimed his club were still in negotiations with the Gunners over keeping Vela in Spain, but admitted they had made it clear they were going to use the contract option.

Boss Arsene Wenger included a buyback clause in the deal that orignally saw Vela leave the Emirates which allows the north London outfit to bring the striker back at the cutdown price.

The Sociedad president was quoted as telling Cadena Ser: "Arsenal have informed us that Vela would be with them next season.

And talking about trying to secure the Mexican forward outright for the club, Aperribay added: "There are no discussions in this regard and therefore it is difficult to talk about whether we would be near or far.

"We will see in the near future if we go a little and accomplish something for Real."

Wenger is said to be interested in bringing the 25-year-old back to the Emirates this summer as he aims to bolster a forward line which was heavily reliant on Olivier Giroud last season.