Arsenal Youngster Fran Merida Joins Atletico Madrid

Chris Wright

26th, May 2010

2 Comments

By Chris Wright

Arsenal have confirmed that Fran Merida will join Atletico Madrid when his contract at the Gunners expires on July 1st.

The 20-year-old Spanish midfielder will join the La Liga side on a four-year contract after spending nearly four years at the Emirates. Merida, who was bought to Arsenal in 2006 when Arsene Wenger picked him out of the Barcelona youth team, has failed to convincingly break into the first-team – only managing four substitute appearances in the Premier League last season.

Arsenal will now be hoping that Merida is the only young, Spanish, former Barca midfielder they will see depart for his homeland this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxLXbLVSU4I

Posted in Arsenal, La Liga, Transfers & Rumours

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2 Comments

  1. Deckard says:

    Cracking strike that. The kid’s got talent but maybe Bojan Krkic has been crossing his mind a lot lately. He’s been waiting an eternity at Barca to break into the first team. Although he pushed Zlatan to the bench in closing of the season things could go back to square one for the young Spaniard now David Villa has signed. Anyway, Merida apparently saw little perspective for him at Arsenal. Even if Cesc will be sold, Wenger isn’t gonna make the unproven and raw Merida the chance at centre mid I’d think and he’ll either buy someone new or play Nasri or Arshavin there.

    If Merida becomes a big star in La Liga in the next 2-3 years I can imagine Wenger feeling a little bummed.

  2. Eboue says:

    Bit of a cunt this one because he does have quality its just unfortunate that he didnt get enough playing time. Hopefully hes the only catalan heading back to spain this summer

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