Mexican club Guadalajara have confirmed that 16-year-old striker Carlos Vela has joined Arsenal.

“It’s official. Carlos Vela now belongs to Arsenal,” said a club statement.

Vela is expected to cost Arsenal just over £2m and he will sign a five-year deal with the Premiership club.

Under the terms of the deal, Vela will play for Spanish side Valencia until he is 18, when he becomes eligible for a work permit in the United Kingdom.

Guadalajara vice-president Nestor De La Torre said: “Arsenal told me that they were planning to loan him out to another team in order to develop before playing in the Premiership.

“The sporting rights of Vela will go to Arsenal for five years. If Arsenal decided to sell Carlos the first option would go to Chivas (Guadalajara).”

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