Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to give Carlos Vela an extended first team run.

Vela will figure, fitness permitting, against Standard Liege in the Champions League clash at the Emirates on Tuesday as Arsenal seek the point that will guarantee their progress into the knock-out stages.

Wenger said: "He is like Robbie Fowler in the penalty area. He is left-footed and he is also very quick. Quicker than most people realise. Only Theo Walcott at the club is quicker than him.

"I have always had a high opinion of Carlos and that is why I did not sign anyone to replace Emmanuel Adebayor when we sold him to Manchester City.

"I want to give him his chance. He is back from injury and he has been putting in some great performances in training."

Vela, toughened up in European combat with a loan spells in Spain with Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna, is wanted by Atletico Madrid.

But Wenger insisted: "We are extending his contract at the moment. We get these players in at 15 or 16 and work very hard with them for five years. We do not then want to give them away."