Albion keeping eye on Arsenal starlets

Sporting director Dan Ashworth today hinted Albion could raid Arsenal again for future loan signings following Carlos Vela's success at The Hawthorns.

The Mexico international has struck two crucial late winners since moving on loan from the Gunners in January.

And, after also signing Jay Simpson from Arsene Wenger's side two seasons ago, Ashworth hopes he could return to the north London club for more players in future seasons.

"Arsenal are the top producer of young players through an academy and it's very important to have good relations," said Ashworth, who is in charge of Baggies recruitment.

"They are very wrapped up in the chase for the Premier League and they have had their Champions League experiences so they haven't always had the opportunity to play their young players.

"It's a good market for clubs like ours to get some top young players out on loan.

"Jay made an impact when he joined us a couple of years ago and Carlos already has. We're hoping he's got a big part to play in the next few games as well."

Vela is unavailable for Albion's next scheduled match as the terms of his loan do not allow him to face Arsenal, but he has eight more games in which to make an impact.

And Ashworth has been delighted with the impact so far of the 22-year-old, who he expects to have a big future at the Emirates Stadium.

"Carlos has got a couple of key and crucial late goals for us with the equaliser against Wolves in injury time and the one in the last few minutes against Stoke, and he nearly nicked it for us against Stoke," he said.

"Carlos is a very exciting young player and Arsenal rate him very highly.

"Arsenal were only interested in a loan because he is going to be a big part of their future plans.

"In the time he has been on the pitch with us he has made a big impact. Arsenal have got high hopes for Carlos and you can see why."