Arsenal intend to activate a clause this summer which allows them to re-sign Carlos Vela, according to the president of Real Sociedad, where the striker has spent the past three seasons.

Vela made little impression at Arsenal from 2005-2011 but has excelled at Sociedad since joining them, initially on loan, in 2011. The Mexican signed a permanent deal with the Spanish club in 2012 but Arsenal inserted a buy-back clause of about £3.5m.

The Sociedad president, Jokin Aperribay, was quoted as telling the radio station Cadena SER: “Arsenal have informed us that Vela would be with them next season.”