Teenage sensation interests La Liga side looking for a bargain.
Primera Liga outfit Atletico Madrid have confirmed they are interested in signing Arsenal‘s attacking midfielder Fran Merida.
The 19-year-old, who scored a cracker in The Gunners’ midweek Carling Cup win over Liverpool, is out of contract next summer.
The former Barcelona youth player has made just three substitute Premier League appearances during his time at Arsenal, but his talent has not gone unregistered on Atletico’s radar.
Merida is a free agent at the end of the season and the Vicente Calderon side say it is down to the player whether he wants to join them for next season.
“He has entered into our plans for next season,” confirmed the club’s president president Enrique Cerezo.
“He is a player that interests us. The decision rests with the kid because he is free in June.”Although the teenager is in talks with Arsenal over a new deal, he is undecided whether to extend his Emirates stay or return to Spain.
“At the moment I am talking to the club so I don’t know what is going to happen,” said the teenager.
“Hopefully everything is going to be all right but we are going to sit down and talk about it. (Sky Sports)
“I am really happy in London.” (Sky Sports)
I can understand Fran Merida’s reticence about signing a new long term contract at the Emirates as he is no doubt eager to not get lost in amongst the great amount of youthful talent the club has on its books but the Spanish youngster should have enough faith in his ability to shine significantly enough to leave Arsene Wenger no choice but to make him part of his future plans.
Against Liverpool on Wednesday night the 19 year old showed again just how hot a prospect he is with a rasping unstoppable goal to cap off a fine performance against top notch opposition. Atletico Madrid are wise to monitor the situation, not least as they could find themselves getting a bargain signing.