Arsenal flop Carlos Vela has shock offer to join Barcelona in January after scoring 48 MLS goals in two years

Barcelona have reportedly made an offer to sign Carlos Vela, the Mexico forward who flopped at Arsenal, in January.

The 30-year-old Los Angeles FC striker scored 36 goals and registered 11 assists in an outstanding 2019 season in MLS, having first moved to the United States last year.

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And his excellent form appears to have caught Barcelona’s attention, with the club allegedly putting an ‘offer on the table’ for Vela, who is best known on these shores for his seven year spell with Arsenal.

He joined the Gunners' academy in 2005 from Guadalajara in his homeland, but made only 29 Premier League appearances before leaving in 2012. Vela scored just three league goals during his time with Arsenal, and also spent five loan spells away from the club, including one with West Brom during which he netted twice in eight Premier League matches.

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His performances drastically improved upon leaving England for Real Sociedad, initially on loan, going on to make 250 appearances for the LaLiga club.

And it appears a return to Spain is on the cards.

Vela’s Mexico teammate, Jonathan dos Santos, who plays for Los Angeles' MLS rivals LA Galaxy, told Colombian radio station : "As I am now on vacation, I have not had much contact with him [Vela].

"But it is true, he has that offer on the table [from Barcelona]. I don't know what he's going to do.

"He's very happy in Los Angeles, he had a spectacular season, but Barca looking for you is a very nice opportunity.

"I'm happy for him. As a Mexican, I hope this possibility can be given.”

Barcelona have an array of attacking talent in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and 17-year-old starlet Ansu Fati.

Nonetheless, Vela, who will turn 31 in March, could provide further attacking cover as the LaLiga giants chase domestic and European success.