Arsenal striker Carlos Vela will not feature in this summer’s Copa América after the Gunners didn’t give him permission to join the Mexican National team.

The 22-year old was one of the 26 players in Mexico’s preliminary squad for July’s Copa America in Argentina but on Sunday, the Mexican Football Federation issued a statement in which it explained that although the player was regularly called for the tournament, Arsenal opted not to release him.

Earlier this week, his agent explained that there are no movements in respect to the transfer market and that the Gunners indeed asked the player to join them for pre-season.

On loan to West Bromwich Albion this season, the youngster desperately needs to show that he can be an asset for the Gunners during pre-season with Spanish side Valencia and Belgian side Anderlecht reportedly interested in signing him for next season.