Arsene Wenger has favourably compared young Mexican striker Carlos Vela to former England and Liverpool star Robbie Fowler and confirmed that the reason Arsenal did not buy another striker in the summer was because he believes the 20-year-old can hold his own in the Premier League. Speaking about extending the contracts of the former Guadalajara protégé, as well as veterans Tomas Rosicky and William Gallas, the French coach stressed his expectations:
"We are speaking with Tomas and William, and I am optimistic to find a solution for both of them," the Gunners boss told The People.
"We've had no offers for Carlos and we are extending his contract at the moment.
"The problem we have is that we have some very good young players, but the players who are in front of them are also young.
"But Carlos was the reason I didn't replace Emmanuel Adebayor in the summer.
"He's that good. He's like Robbie Fowler, in that he needs very little time to make a decision in the box, he is very relaxed when he finishes."