Gunners keen to include full-back as part of Vela deal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to include young Real Sociedad full-back Joseba Zaldua as part of the deal that could see Carlos Vela join the Spaniards permanently, according to the Daily Mirror.
The 21-year-old made a strong emergence into the La Liga side last season and has caught the Arsenal boss’ eye as he looks to find a suitable replacement for Bacary Sagna, who has left for Manchester City.
Wenger is set to sell Vela to Real Sociedad but Zaldua could offset the fee. He could be regarded as one for the future but Arsenal still need numbers in that area as well as a long term solution.
Zaldua has been a star for Sociedad’s B team over the past four years and this term finally made his breakthrough into the club’s senior side where he made ten appearances.
However, as a native of San Sebastien it is not known whether he would want to make the switch to North London where his progress could be hampered.
Arsenal would be able to offer him Champions League football, though, but should the Gunners opt to sign a more experienced right-back to guide his transition into a new league he could well find himself frozen out before he has had the chance to establish himself in the side.
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