Vela made his full Mexico debut against Brazil in September 2007

Arsenal have been granted a work permit for teenage Mexico striker Carlos Vela.

The 19-year-old, who has three full caps, has been on loan this season at Spanish club Osasuna, scoring three goals in 32 appearances.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who says Vela will be involved with the first team next season, has likened the youngster to Croatia frontman Eduardo.

Vela joined Arsenal after winning the golden boot as top scorer at the 2005 Fifa Under-17 championships.

606: DEBATE I can't help thinking that expectations over Carlos Vela might be a little high pocketsofair

He joined from Mexican side Guadalajara in November of that year but was not eligible to play in this country.

Vela was farmed out to Celta Vigo and Salamanca in Spain before joining Osasuna for the whole of last season.

He signed a five-year deal for a fee that could rise to over �2m.

"Carlos has played the whole season at Osasuna on the left-wing and he had to work hard there," said Wenger.

"But for me it is not his position. He is a central striker, an Eduardo type. He is a great young player."