West Brom seal Arsenal Carlos Vela loan deal

Albion were today celebrating a major transfer coup after completing a late-night raid on Arsenal for Carlos Vela.

The Baggies have signed the 21-year-old Mexico international on loan for the rest of the season, beating off competition from Premier League rival Bolton and Spanish club Valencia.

Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: "Carlos is an exciting signing for this club. Carlos is a new attacking option for us who can play both centrally and in the wide areas.

"He also has great technical ability and pace and we're hoping he can make a big impact during the remainder of the season.

"There's no doubt Carlos has the potential to become a great player and it will hopefully be a win-win situation, where we help him by giving him game time while he helps us achieve our goal.

"Having said all that, we have to remember he is still a young boy learning his trade and we will be giving him all the support he needs during his time here."

Bolton had been seen as favourites to sign Vela after his Gunners team-mate Jack Wilshere enjoyed a productive loan spell at the Reebok Stadium last season.

But the Baggies convinced the player and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that he would gain more match action at The Hawthorns. He has been given the No.18 shirt.

The 5ft 10in forward, who played in last summer's World Cup for Mexico, has started three games for Arsenal this season and netted three times – twice against Braga in the Champions League.

He has scored nine times in 33 senior games for Mexico but is currently serving a six-month ban for his role in a late-night party after a friendly win over Columbia.

He will not be eligible to face his parent club when they visit Albion on March 19.

As Vela checked in at The Hawthorns, Reuben Reid ended his unhappy Baggies spell by joining Oldham on a permanent deal for a nominal fee.